Sydney boxer Bilal Akkawy could get world title shot in May
Sydney boxer Bilal Akkawy is set to continue his meteoric rise on the international stage and his first shot at a world title could come in Las Vegas as early as May.
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Sydney boxer Bilal Akkawy is set to continue his meteoric rise on the international stage and his first shot at a world title could come as early as May.
Akkawy has rocketed up the WBA super middleweight rankings to No.4 in the world after beating Mexico’s Victor Fonseca at New York’s Madison Square Garden in December.
The Peakhurst local is headed back to the US in February to prepare for his next showdown in Las Vegas on May 5.
The finer details, including his opponent, will be finalised in the coming weeks.
Again, he’ll feature on same card as boxing megastar Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez, who will be defending his WBA and WBC middleweight titles.
While Akkawy is forging a reputation for himself in America, he says he will not be lost to Aussie boxing.
“My dream was always to make it overseas but I definitely want to be able to bring the world title back to Australia and defend it here fight in front of a home crowd. That would be incredible,” he said.
But for now the 25-year old is focused on making waves internationally.
Akkawy is one of only a handful of Aussie pugilists who have stepped inside of a ring at Madison Square Garden.
He told The Daily Telegraph, fighting at the place revered as the ”Mecca of boxing” felt like home.
“I thought I would be a little more nervous. But I felt like I was in my comfort zone. I walked out and loved every minute of it and being out there. I surprised myself in the way I handled it,” Akkawy said.
“Even though it was a big event, I felt like I was at home.”
Akkawy also revealed his preparation for his bout against Fonseca was his toughest to date.
“I have to admit it was the worst camp I have ever had. I had a few niggling injuries. Basically I was on painkillers and anti-inflammatories and I couldn’t do my normal training. So I just sparred three times a week and the other days I couldn’t really train properly. I would more be trying to recover and get ready for the sparring.”
It has been a whirlwind 12 months for Akkawy, who has gone from plying his trade at Club Punchbowl in Sydney’s west to some of sports’ biggest arenas.
“It has all unfolded in the last year, it has been a massive change for me, even in terms of the travel with my camps being over in America,” he said.
“Recognition is another thing that has changed and the media attention too.
“In the streets now people want to stop and give me a pat on the back.
“It’s the kind of thing that really motivates me to keep going.
“When little kids come up to you and they are fans of yours, that really pumps me up. I get just as excited as they do so it’s pretty cool.”
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Originally published as Sydney boxer Bilal Akkawy could get world title shot in May
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