Kash Farooq, who Eddie Hearn dubbed last year “one of the brightest young stars in world boxing” has hung up his gloves for good due to “unforeseen circumstances.” Farooq was signed to Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing promotional company, the same branch which catapulted Anthony Joshua to worldwide stardom.

However, Matchroom have confirmed that their rising star will no longer be stepping into the ring.

A statement read: “Our well wishes are with @kashfarooq who has unfortunately had to retire due to unforeseen circumstances.

“No doubt was destined for World honours. A brilliant fighter and top man.

“Kash will now take up a role as Head of Talent for @StAndrewsSC.”

Farooq departs the sport with an impressive record of 16 wins (six by KO) and only one defeat from his 17 bantamweight bouts.

His most recent victory came via a unanimous decision victory over Luis Castillo Castillo in August last year at Matchroom HQ’s Garden.

Farooq departs the sport with an impressive record of 16 wins (six by KO) and only one defeat from his 17 bantamweight bouts.

His most recent victory came via a unanimous decision victory over Luis Castillo Castillo in August last year at Matchroom HQ’s Garden.

Prior to that win, Hearn explained his plan to take Farooq to the very top.

He said: “Kash is one of the brightest young stars in world boxing, not just in the bantamweight division.

“These are the kind of fights Kash needs, people who are going to come to win, people who will be aggressive and really test him.

“I look at it now and say, frankly we need to be looking at world title shots at the back end of this year. This is going to be a good measuring stick to tell us where we’re at.”