Mik’s Olympic dream

REFEREE Mik Basi flies to Milan, Italy, this week, aiming to continue his climb up the international boxing ladder when he officiates at the World Senior Amateur International Championships.

The Newham official will be one of the leading referee/judges controlling the contests when the world's best amateur boxers will be competing for glory at the biggest-ever world championships, taking place in the Italian city from September 1-12.

It's just the latest step in a globetrotting career which has already seen him officiate in Mexico and Moscow during the past 12 months.

However, the 43-year-old Fairbairn House official makes no secret of his ambition - that all his travels around the world will lead to a call-up to officiate in his own home town - when the boxing is staged at the London 2012 Olympics.

"To be named as an official when the Olympic Games are held in the borough where I grew up would be nothing short of fantastic," he said.

He has made the grade alongside older brother, Jumbo Basi, another international class referee and a stalwart of the amateur boxing scene at the Fairbairn Club, formerly in Plaistow, but now based in Connaught Lane, Ilford.

Another four younger members of the Basi clan are currently boxing in Fairbairn colours, adding to the connection for the brothers who work together at their family embroidery business, based at Rainham.

Mik, who graduated from his work at local tournaments all over east London, is looking forward to his first senior world championships after making his mark at the World Youth Championships held in Mexico last year, when he was voted the top official at the event.

He followed with an appointment at another AIBA tournament staged in Moscow and then came the call to officiate at the World Senior Championships starting next week.