WBO and IBF European super flyweight champion Ijaz Ahmed is in no doubt about the outcome of his re-match against Kaisy Khademi for the vacant British title on 28th August in Birmingham writes Noah Abrahams.
Six months after Ahmed upset the odds as he challenged and beat title holder Khademi courtesy of a majority decision in London, the two Britons are back for more on Frank Warren’s ‘Night of Champions’ show.
Speaking ahead of the bout that could set him on the same path as former British and now world champion Sunny Edwards, Ahmed explained the respect that he has for Khademi.
“I have no animosity with Kaisy and I have nothing against no man,” he said.
“When you are in the ring, it’s only you and your opponent.
“Boxing is a hard game and I have respect for anybody who goes into the ring.
“There is no bad blood between us.”
With both boxers on equal pegging as they go to war for the belt vacated by Edwards, Khademi will see the bout as a shot at redemption. Setting his sights on a ninth professional victory, however, Ahmed explained his mindset prior to fight night.
“This is a vacant title. I’m not the champion and neither is Kaisy,” he said.
“I’m going into this as a challenger. That’s how I was in the last fight.
“I’m not scared of no man. I’m not afraid of anything except from the All Mighty.
“I’m going to go in there again and do the same thing but even better this time.
“I have all of the confidence in the world, and I have confidence in my ability.”
Last time out, the scorecard was announced as 95-96, 95-95, 94-96 in favour of Ahmed. Starring in a thrilling top-of-the-bill bout earlier in the year, the European champion shared his excitement in the build up to a highly anticipated showdown at the end of the month.
“It’s been a while since we fought last and I’m looking forward to it a lot,” he said.
“Being the British champion is going to build my profile up to the next level.
“It’s onwards and upwards for me. I’m going to keep climbing that ladder and hopefully one day I can go for that world title.
“If Sunny Edwards can do it and he’s only human, then so can I and so can anyone else.
“My full focus is on this fight. Forget about everything else right now.
“Only after this fight is done, we can look to the future.”
Purchase tickets for this weekend’s big Birmingham show here:
https://www.frankwarren.com/allevents/cacace-vs-woodstock-2/
