Unbeaten British featherweight boxer Abdul Khan will face Liam Fitzmaurice at Wembley Arena on Saturday, part of a historic card featuring five South Asian fighters.
The event, headlined by light-welterweight Adam Azim, includes prospects Mohammad Bilal Ali, Vijayraj Karia, and Saqib Mehmood.
Khan, 23, holds a professional record of 14 wins with three knockouts. He acknowledged the influence of his cousin, former two-time world champion Amir Khan.
"Seeing Amir reach the heights of the sport only lit the fire in probably the majority of the South Asian kids out there, including me," Abdul Khan said.
The Bolton native won a national youth ABA title as an amateur before turning professional during the Covid-19 lockdown.
Despite fighting on the undercard of Amir Khan's final bout against Kell Brook, Abdul seeks to establish his own identity.
"Being known as his cousin was always going to be like that because of what Amir achieved," he said.
Khan explained that family connections opened doors, but sustained success required individual dedication.
"I'm grateful for everything he has done to open the doors - but it is all right getting through the doors, it is how good you are to stay in those rooms," he added.
Khan faced personal adversity after his parents' separation when he was 10. Raised by his mother alongside two sisters, boxing provided stability.
"It's been my own hard work and dedication which has kept those doors open.
This only gives me more of a push to just get out of the shadow," he said.
The fighter aims to contend for a world championship within two to three years. He also hopes to stage a professional bout in a cricket stadium in Pakistan.
"My team have always said to build me in the right way and to explode when the time comes - now it's my time," Khan said.
Khan trains under coach Alex Matvienko at Elite Boxing Gym in Bolton. Through his family network, he sparred with American pound-for-pound champion Terence Crawford.
"He done so much for me but I don't want to latch onto anyone else's name," he said.
Khan noted his father was absent throughout his childhood, leaving him with significant household responsibilities from age 10.
"I'm the man of my house and I have been since I was 10," he said.
The gym served as a sanctuary from personal challenges, solidifying his commitment to professional boxing.
"It was hard because my father was never in my life, never gave me a penny or anything.
Boxing gave me that escape from the world," he said.
Amir Khan began guiding Abdul's career when the younger cousin turned 13. The former world champion advised maintaining a dedicated inner circle and absolute focus.
"He was always a phone call away," Abdul said.
Reflecting on sparring with Crawford, Khan noted lessons in distance, speed, and tactical intelligence.
"It was priceless," he said.
Khan hopes boxing receives more investment in Pakistan, similar to cricket's infrastructure.
"There's a lot of talent out there, they should invest a bit more into boxing like they have done with cricket," he said.
He believes a professional bout in a Pakistani cricket stadium would sell out multiple times over.
"If I fought in a cricket stadium in Pakistan? It would sell out 10 times over," he said.
The undercard broadcast begins at 18:30 BST, with the main card at 20:30 BST. Live text commentary is available on the BBC Sport website and app.
Khan concluded by hoping his journey inspires young people from non-traditional backgrounds.
"I want all kids - not just South Asians - who have come from broken families to look at someone like me, knowing that you can have a goal, stick at it and you will get the fruits of your labour," he said.
