Prince Patel and his 'unconventional' art of taking control

Thailand has quietly become a base for fighters willing to operate outside boxing’s traditional pathways.

- WASIM MATHER

Lower operational costs and regular activity have made Bangkok an attractive option for boxers prepared to manage their own careers rather than wait for opportunities.

Last weekend, Luqman Patel, better known as Prince Patel, once again showed why this environment suits him. Appearing on Highland Promotions’ first event of the year at World Siam Stadium, Patel defeated Tanzanian boxer Yahaya Mussa to claim the WBA Asia Gold super-lightweight title.

Boxing has no shortage of characters, but few operate as deliberately outside the system as Patel. The 33-year-old was once signed to Queensberry Promotions under Frank Warren before growing frustrated with inactivity and choosing to walk away. Rather than waiting for momentum to return, Patel decided to take control of his career himself.

I met Patel at Highland Gym the day before the weigh-in, and the contrast between his reputation and his real-life presence was immediate. The caricature many fans expect never appeared. Instead, he was calm, personable, and keen to talk boxing and the realities of navigating the sport without institutional backing.