Boxing coach Immi Younis, from Tottington, has dedicated years to steering young people away from knife crime, and will step into the ring alongside his teenage son later this year in memory of his nephew.
The bout will carry special significance for Mr Younis, whose nephew Mohammed Afzal, known to his loved ones as Isa, was killed in a knife attack in Bury last year.
Mohammed Afzal, known to his loved ones as Esa, died after being attacked in a Bury car park on August 1, 2025. (Image: GMP)
The 19-year-old was stabbed in a car park on Market Street in August 2025, and later died from his injuries.
A trial at Manchester Crown Court in March found Abbas Hussain, 19, Mohammed Rayhan, also 19, and Biryan Ak, 20, all not guilty of murdering Mr Afzal.
In April, he was jailed for seven years.
In memory of Esa, Immi and his 17-year-old son will both compete in November at the Toughsheet Community Stadium, home of Bolton Wanderers FC, in what supporters say is a rare father-and-son appearance on the same card.
The 47-year-old boxing coach and mentor said he is using the event to honour his nephew’s memory and continue his long-running campaign against knife crime.
Mr Younis said: “I’m fighting in his memory, but also to raise awareness about knife crime.
Immi and his son will appear on the same show. (Image: Immi Younis)
“In the press conference and after the fight, I’ll be talking about my nephew, the impact of knife crime and encouraging these kids to put the knives down and get the gloves up.”
For years, Mr Younis has worked with young people across Bury and the wider North West through mentoring, boxing and community outreach programmes.
He has delivered talks in schools, worked alongside Greater Manchester Police, and intervened in conflicts involving gangs, while also supporting young people at risk of becoming involved in violence, county lines drug activity, and other crime.
Through his boxing work, young people are encouraged to channel their energy into sport while improving their behaviour, attendance, and respect for others.
For Immi, this event is about far more than just boxing. (Image: Immi Younis)
Mr Younis said his own experience allows him to connect with teenagers who may be struggling.
He said: “I’ve become like a dad to all these kids.
“Some come to me going through serious problems and they just need somebody to support them and show them a different direction.”
His anti-knife crime message became even more personal after his nephew’s death.
The upcoming fight will be one of the most emotional moments of his life, with family members, friends, and supporters expected to attend.
Mr Younis said: “I’ve got a lot of people who are going to be attending because of what it’s for.
“It’s sentimental.
“I’m fighting for a purpose.”
Adding to the occasion is the fact that his son will also be competing on the same show.
Immi’s son is 17 and will appear alongside his father in November’s show. (Image: Immi Younis)
Mr Younis believes it is an unusual achievement, particularly given the age gap between the pair.
He said: “A lot of people are saying they’ve never really had a father and son both fighting on the same boxing show.
“By the time the son is 17 or 18 and ready to fight, most dads at my age are ready to rest.”
Despite approaching his 48th birthday by the time of the event, Mr Younis continues to train for around four hours a day.
Despite approaching his 48th birthday, Immi still trains for four hours a day. (Image: Immi Younis)
He hopes his own willingness to enter the ring can inspire younger people to pursue sport rather than violence.
“If I can step in the ring, there’s nothing stopping these kids from doing the same,” he said.
The fight is set to take place on the Vendetta boxing show later this year, with organisers expected to confirm the official date by the end of August.
For Mr Younis, however, the event is about much more than boxing.
It is another opportunity to spread the message that has become central to his work in Bury since the death of his nephew – urging young people to put the knives down and pick the gloves up instead.