A rapid rise in British boxing
After a standout 2025, GBM Sports has firmly established itself as one of the UK’s most exciting promotional companies. The organisation finished second in the Boxing News 2025 Promoter of the Year award, ranking ahead of long-established figures Frank Warren and Eddie Hearn, and trailing only behind global heavyweight Turki Alalshikh.
It was a landmark year for promoter Izzy Asif, who oversaw a series of major milestones. GBM secured a broadcast partnership with DAZN, promoted its first world title fight with Terri Harper facing Natalie Zimmerman in May, and unveiled its bold new tournament concept, The Heist, to widespread praise.
The Heist delivers drama and new stars
The eight-man super-middleweight tournament quickly became a talking point in the boxing world. Designed as a one-night, high-stakes competition, it delivered fast-paced action and a clear winner in Essex southpaw James Osbourne. Entering the final with a 12-1 record, Osbourne needed just one round to stop Ryszard Lewicki and claim the title, cementing his status as one of GBM’s breakout fighters.
The success of the format convinced GBM that the concept could reach far beyond the UK, setting the stage for an ambitious expansion.
Taking the concept worldwide
GBM Sports has kicked off 2026 with a major announcement, revealing that The Heist will now go global thanks to a strategic partnership with Australian sports medicine company Rygg. The next chapter begins in Dubai this April, with plans for the tournament to visit five countries across four continents.
Izzy Asif says the move signals a new era for both the company and the sport. He believes the tournament’s no-frills, all-action format represents the future of boxing, combining high risk, big rewards, and elite support for fighters. With global expansion now underway, GBM Sports is positioning itself as a serious international player heading into what it expects to be a defining year.
