IT’S a classic boxing story. The plucky underdog, refusing to participate within its perceived limits, punching up at a goliath opponent (or, in this case, industry barriers) to rise to the top of their trade. Due to hit the shops on October 11, Undisputed will finally fill the boxing gaming void.
But there’s far more to this underdog tale than that. This punching production is the brainchild and realisation of a lifelong dream. Driven by boxing enthusiast and committed gamer Ash Habib, Steel City Interactive is a company swinging relentlessly to ensure every blow lands.
“Yeah, it feels like a bit of an underdog story leading to Undisputed, that sort of ascent, really,” agrees CEO Habib, who founded the company in 2020 along with his brothers Asif and Asad.
As the big launch day arrives, while most weeks are hectic, Habib isn’t complaining. Better to be jetting out to live shows, discussing plans in online and in-person meetings, or back in the studio engaging in motion capture than watching tumbleweed float by their Sheffield offices.
Growing up in a historic fight city like Sheffield, imbued with a strong boxing heritage, the likes of Prince Naseem Hamed, Johnny Nelson and Herol ‘Bomber’ Graham had the in-ring skills and vibrant personalities outside of the ropes to lure any youngster towards the hurt game. Habib was quickly hooked.
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