Bilal Fawaz produced one of the most unforgettable moments of Sheffield Fight Night — and he didn’t even know he’d won.
The 37-year-old stunned the boxing world by claiming the vacant BBBofC English Super Welterweight Title with a majority decision over previously unbeaten Junaid Bostan at Sheffield Arena.
The contest itself was hard-fought and tactical, a rematch of their prior draw, but the most viral and memorable moment came after the final bell, when Fawaz’s name was announced as the winner.
“I Didn’t Even Know I’d Won!”
For a few surreal seconds, Fawaz stood clapping politely for the man he thought had taken the fight. Confusion reigned as his corner gestured wildly — he was moments away from congratulating the wrong man.
“I thought they said Junaid Bostan,” he admitted later, still visibly shocked. Only when a British Boxing Board of Control official handed him the English title belt did the reality sink in. “I won? I’m the English champion?”
Bilal Fawaz gets a majority decision 🤯
96-95, 96-94, 95-95.#BostanFawaz2 | @DAZNBoxing | #AllenMakhmudov pic.twitter.com/iYfgf2YTD9
— Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) October 11, 2025
The Journey of a Veteran
This Cinderella-Man moment represents more than just a single victory. Fawaz’s career has been defined by resilience and determination. As a champion amateur who fought for England six times, he overcame numerous obstacles in his path to the professional ranks, including well-documented legal challenges over his right to work and compete in the UK.
Triumphing at 37 years old, Fawaz now stands as a symbol of persistence and dedication in the sport.
Upset of the Night: Fawaz vs. Bostan
In the ring, Fawaz displayed poise and veteran intelligence. Facing the younger, unbeaten Bostan — 10-0-1 with 8 KOs coming in — he mixed sharp counters with precise body work, neutralizing his opponent’s aggression and landing the telling blows at critical moments.
Official scores reflected the razor-thin nature of the fight: Phil Edwards 96–94, Steve Gray 96–95, with Bob Williams scoring a 95–95 draw. The majority decision confirms Fawaz’s skill and resilience, positioning him prominently in the English rankings at super welterweight.
For fans, promoters, and fighters alike, Fawaz’s triumph is a clear message: never underestimate a veteran with skill, heart, and the will to fight to the final bell.
Result: Bilal Fawaz def. Junaid Bostan – MD (96–94, 96–95, 95–95) – Sheffield Arena, England.
About the Author
Phil Jay is a veteran boxing journalist with over 15 years of experience covering the global fight scene. As Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News (WBN) since 2010, Jay has interviewed dozens of world champions and reported ringside on boxing’s biggest nights.
[View all articles by Phil Jay] and learn more about his work in combat sports journalism.