Arjon Basi carries his past with him every time he steps into the ring. Before each fight he leaves an empty chair in memory of his father, who died of a sudden heart attack when Basi was a teenager, and he pauses to acknowledge him before the bell.
Basi says his dad was his hero and a huge influence, and that ritual helps him feel supported. After his father’s death the 25-year-old struggled mentally despite a promising amateur career. He also suffered severe physical setbacks: damaged tendons in his right wrist and torn ligaments in his left required scans and grim warnings from doctors who told him he might never box again and could even struggle with everyday tasks later in life. He admits those diagnoses brought him to tears.
Against the odds his injuries healed in what doctors later described as a miracle. Not long after, he faced another life-threatening scare when a pulmonary embolism left him dizzy and breathless. Medical staff warned the condition could have been fatal if left untreated. The experience made him question whether to quit, but he chose to carry on.
Now two fights into his professional career, Basi will appear in a preliminary bout on Sunday at the Olympia in Kensington before the televised portion of the card. He still relishes the journey and the noisy support he draws as a former London ticket-seller turned fighter. Boxing runs in his family, and the reaction from fans has been overwhelming: he recalls his debut at York Hall where the crowd erupted and he walked out grinning and laughing at the roar.
Basi’s story is one of grief, recovery and determination — a young fighter honoring his father while defying medical expectations to pursue his dream. The card, including Dubois vs Flores and Scotney vs Flores, is being shown on Sky Sports from 7pm on Sunday.