Australian boxer Bilal Akkawy back in Saul Alvarez’s training camp ahead of GGG super fight
THE rematch between Saul Alvarez and GGG has been billed as one of the most anticipated fights in recent years and Australian boxer Bilal Akkawy has once again been hand-picked as Canelo’s sparring partner.
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AUSTRALIA’S heaviest hitter Bilal Akkawy has returned to the United States to help boxing legend Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez prepare for his super fight against Gennady Gennadyevich Golovkin [GGG].
Akkawy joined Alvarez’s camp earlier in the year as his sparring partner but the fight was cancelled after Alvarez tested positive to trace levels of clenbuterol.
With his ban served, a new date was set for September 15 at Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena, in what has been billed as one of the most anticipated bouts in recent years.
The young Australian impressed so much during his first stay in March he was immediately invited back once a new date was secured.
Akkawy is notorious for his hard hitting and Alvarez’s trainers view the up and coming fighter’s intensity and busy work rate in the ring as the perfect preparation to take on GGG.
The fact he’s been invited back to partner up with Alvarez is a testament to how highly regarded by the boxing legend.
Akkawy will step in the ring at least three times a week over the next six or so weeks to ensure Alvarez can withstand anything GGG may throw at him.
He says his time inside the San Diego training camp has reaffirmed the belief he has what it takes to make it on a global level.
“It’s a great experience to see what it’s like at that level but I've also got a lot of confidence out of it too because I feel like I can get there. I feel like I can achieve it and that it’s not so far away,” Akkawy told The Daily Telegraph.
The Peakhurst local is hoping to use this sparring opportunity as a stepping stone to make his boxing debut in the lucrative U.S. market.
Two American based promoters are keen to link-up with the 25-year old and a fight is anticipated in either September or October.
Earlier this month, the super middle weight pugilist, who has a 17-0 record with 15 KO’s, was invited by New South Wales coach Brad Fittler to train with his side.
At the time the Origin winning coach said the WBA’s number 12th ranked boxer, had the kind of dedication and hunger for success that he was trying to instil in his fresh-faced side.