Rising British super-middleweight star Balraj Khara calls hearing impairment his "superpower"

Boxing's rising star Balraj Khara has a superpower – his hearing impairment

In a sport built on noise, pressure and split-second decision-making, professional boxer Balraj Khara (9-2-2, 1 KO) has found his greatest advantage in silence.

The British super-middleweight boxer, who was born with a hearing impairment, is emerging as one of the most compelling stories in UK boxing today. While many athletes spend their careers overcoming obstacles, Khara has taken a different approach. He doesn't view his hearing impairment as a limitation. He calls it his "superpower."

Khara offers something rare: a talented professional athlete whose journey intersects sport, disability, representation, resilience and community impact.

Born in Chichester and raised in Feltham, West London, Khara is a British professional boxer competing in the super-middleweight division.

The third-generation British Sikh athlete turned professional in 2022 after building his foundation in amateur boxing and years of dedication to combat sports. His pro debut came on 27th March 2022 at York Hall, where he defeated Frane Radnic.

Today, the 30-year-old trains at Ivybridge Boxing Club in Isleworth and continues to build his professional career. He is managed by Abdul, trained by John Holland, and to date has 9 wins, 2 lost, and 2 draws.

Balraj also mentors young fighters and supports the charity Rise and Thrive, which campaigns against child exploitation. He also advocates for the belief that challenges can become strengths when viewed through the right mindset.

For Khara, living with partial hearing loss has sharpened the very qualities that make successful fighters: concentration, composure, awareness and mental toughness.

"Most people look at hearing loss and see a disadvantage. I see it differently. It has helped me develop an incredible level of focus. In boxing, distractions can cost you everything. I've learned how to shut out the noise and focus entirely on the task in front of me. That's why I call it my superpower." explains Khara.

Khara's next bout takes place at Harrow Leisure Centre on September 19, one year and one week on from his last outing. Balraj faces Costa Rican Jose Aguirre (2-28, 1 KO), who has only been stopped once in 30 bouts.

The event is promoted by Costakis Evangelou of Premier Promotions & Management.

A professional athlete redefining perceptions of disability

Khara’s ambition is not to be known simply as a boxer with a hearing impairment. He aims to be recognised as an elite athlete whose hearing impairment forms part of a much bigger story about determination, mindset and excellence.

That perspective is already providing inspiration for many people within the disability and sporting communities.

And with more professional bouts lined up in the coming months, there will be plenty of opportunities to see Balraj in action.

About Balraj Khara

Balraj Singh Khara is a British professional super-middleweight boxer. Born with a hearing impairment, he has built a reputation for determination, resilience and focus throughout his boxing journey.

Raised in Feltham, West London, Khara turned professional in 2022 and continues to establish himself as a rising talent within British boxing. He holds 9 wins 2 draws and 2 losses.

Alongside his professional career, he mentors young fighters through the charity Rise and Thrive, and advocates for the belief that challenges can become strengths when viewed through the right mindset.

Web: https://balrajkhara.com/

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Balraj_Khara