Jazzy Ready To School Windle
Ijaz Ahmed reckons he’ll take Matt Windle “to school” when they clash for the Midlands flyweight title next month.
Ahmed makes his first defence against fellow Brummie Windle in the main event of a Friday fight night on March 15.
They headline BCB Promotions’ first bill of the year in Birmingham, at the H Suite in Edgbaston. The show has been titled ‘Fly Guys.’
Ahmed’s moment of glory saw him vanquish Conor Blackshaw, a former English title challenger, on points in December.
The two battled to the final bell, where Ahmed’s hand was raised by two rounds in a 97-95 call with referee Shaun Messer.
‘Jazzy’ now puts up the honours he claimed there against Windle, who has five wins from seven pro affairs, with a draw and one defeat also on his record.
Ahmed has five wins from six contests but also the one setback on his ledger, with both losing to Brett Fidoe. Both are still searching for their maiden TKO.
The reigning champion, only the third area titleist at the weight, is of the opinion his experience against Blackshaw gives him the edge, though.
Windle has completed eight rounds before, but could only draw with Pablo Narvaez for a British Challenge bauble that took place up at featherweight.
Ahmed said: “I want to be as busy as possible, I wasn’t actively looking to defend the belt but if someone wants to challenge me, then bring it on.
“It’s another win for me to get on my record, against a good opponent, and to show that I’m a fighting champion. There’s a job to be done and I’m all business.
“Everyone enjoyed my title win, it was toe-to-toe for a lot of the 10 rounds but I had too much for him. I put in the better work, hit the cleaner punches and was more skilful.
“My determination got me over the line, too, but he didn’t really trouble me. I was the better man, in all areas, when it mattered.
“I’ve still got that confidence to take me forward. No matter what Matt Windle brings, I’ve got full confidence that I’ll take him to school.
“I think I’m a lot stronger than he is and I’ve already proved that I can do the distance, without fading. I’m likely to have the better stamina.
“I know that I’ve got to beat this guy if I want to move on to the next level. I’m focussed on a performance that will do just that on March 15.”
Seven under-card contests support the main event, with all of those occupying the home corner from Birmingham or in the surrounding towns.
Another area champion, Midlands lightweight boss Kane Baker, engages in a keep-busy affair to get his 2019 up and running.
Baker, from Bartley Green, defeated Ishmael Ellis to win the vacant strap in December and now undertakes his 15th pro outing, looking for a 10th victory.
Jordan Clayton, of Solihull, appears for the 11th time as a pro as he continues his progression down to welter, with new coach Tom Chaney in his corner for a second time.
Clayton only boxed once in 2018, recording a points win over MJ Hall – forenames Matthew James – after nearly nine months out of the ring.
Shaka Thompson, from Selly Oak, has racked up five points successes in the middleweight division and is aiming to make it six of the best.
Southpaw Zaheer Asghar, of Sparkhill, attempts to add to his ledger as a super middleweight, with two points verdicts going his way since turning over.
Asghar represented the Birmingham City, Hall Green and Eastside boxing clubs, as an amateur, clocking up a record of 49 wins from 58 contests.
Super welterweight Mussab Abubaker, from Small Heath, returns to the venue where he made his pro debut in 2017 having scored another over-the-distance result since.
Daryl Pearce, of Rednal, steps in for his second paid affair. He arrived with a points success over Mohamed Mahmoud at welter last June.
Super lightweight Brad Thomas, a protege of Frankie Gavin, could only draw on his bow in September and will want to go one better this time.
Tickets, priced at £35 standard or £65 VIP ringside with a buffet and waitress service, are on sale now. It will be £40 for entry on the door. For more information, contact the boxers.
