Fighters like Masood Abdulah (10-0, 7 KOs) have two methods of constructing their identify within the sport. They will both preserve successful by any means crucial till their claims change into unimaginable to disregard, or they’ll slowly construct a fanbase by combating in an thrilling, crowd-pleasing method.
Up to now, Abdulah has managed to cowl each bases, however the unbeaten featherweight may give his profession a serious shot within the arm this weekend when he fights Scotland’s George Stewart (7-0, 1 KO) for the Commonwealth title in London.
The damaging Abdulah desires to win however will go about it in his ordinary all-action method.
“He’s a pleasant man,” Abdulah mentioned of Stewart in an interview with Queensberry. “Hopefully we’ve a very good battle, however my largest concern is that I hope I carry out effectively and hopefully give the followers a very good battle.
“I don’t care concerning the battle or something like that. I simply care about impressing my coaches and having the ability to do what they inform me to do or what we’ve been engaged on to have the ability to pull it off on the night time. That’s my largest concern. That’s what I care about.
“I’ve a sense he’s going to try to keep away for somewhat bit. He’s going to try to preserve his distance and preserve me at bay. Finally, I’ll hunt him down and ultimately I’ll get to my goal. Once I do, let’s see how he offers with it.”
For the time being, Abdulah’s fellow featherweights discover him very simple to disregard. The 30-year-old is powerful, aggressive and heavy-handed, and while beating him could earn them respect inside the business, it could do little to spice up their profile. Accumulating the Commonwealth title would transfer Abdulah to inside placing distance of the most important home titles, and all of the sudden the reward for beating him would change into way more worthy of the chance.
At Wednesday’s press convention, Abdulah spoke about wanting to maneuver on shortly, mentioning a showdown with Isaac Lowe in Saudi Arabia as a possible subsequent step.
“I’ve acquired concepts and plans. I must convey it to actuality,” Abdulah mentioned. “That’s my goal now. I wish to develop, develop, get extra titles, get more cash, get extra recognition and transfer up.
“I’m going to be sincere – to not critique him an excessive amount of – I really feel like I’m above him. I really feel like he’s been overcooked somewhat too lengthy. He hasn’t achieved an excessive amount of. One of the best he’s achieved is, I believe, drew for the British title twice. We’ll see.”
John Evans has contributed to various well-known publications and web sites for over a decade. You’ll be able to observe John on X @John_Evans79
