British light-middleweight boxing champion Bilal Fawaz has lived in the UK for more than 20 years but remains without a British passport, preventing him from traveling abroad for fights or family holidays, his promoter Eddie Hearn said.
Fawaz, 38, was trafficked to the UK at age 14 and has never left the country since arriving.
>>> Spider-Man Dominates Disney+ Ahead of Brand New Day Release
He represented England six times as an amateur before turning professional after receiving a work permit.
He has won the British and Commonwealth titles but is restricted by his immigration status from fighting overseas, including in lucrative markets like Saudi Arabia and the United States.
Hearn Calls for Action
"What on earth is the hold-up?" Hearn asked.
"You want to go down to Number 10 and bang on the door and say: 'Any chance of dealing with this?'
It's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard. If you were them, you'd almost be embarrassed.
Someone should look at it and go, 'What are you guys doing? Give him his passport.'"
Born in Nigeria to a Beninese mother and Lebanese father, Fawaz was brought to London believing he would reunite with his father but was instead confined to a house, forced to work, and prevented from attending school or socializing.
After escaping, he entered the care system and faced minor convictions during his youth.
"My best friend was the window," Fawaz said. "I could see people walking and kids outside playing, but I wasn't allowed to play with them."
