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Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez’s trainer vows to turn Aussie Bilal Akkawy into a world champion

EDDY Reynoso, the trainer who sculpted Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez into a living legend says he will turn Australia’s Bilal Akkawy into a world champion in 12 months. Details on how to watch Akkawy’s U.S. debut here!

Bilal Akkawy and Canelo Alvarez's co-trainer Eddy Reynoso
Bilal Akkawy and Canelo Alvarez's co-trainer Eddy Reynoso

EDDY Reynoso knows talent when he sees it.

He’s the man credited for sculpting Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez from a 13-year old with raw potential into a legend of boxing.

Now the Mexican trainer wants to do that same with the hard-hitting Aussie Bilal Akkawy.

Reynoso is so confident in Akkawy’s ability he has boldly proclaimed he could turn the young Australian into a world champion in the space of 12 months.

Speaking exclusively to The Daily Telegraph on the eve of one of the most highly anticipated bouts in recent years, the Alvarez and Gennady Golovkin super fight, Reynoso says he believes Akkawy is Australia’s next great boxing hope.

Bilal Akkawy (R) and Canelo Alvarez's co-trainer Eddy Reynoso.
Bilal Akkawy (R) and Canelo Alvarez's co-trainer Eddy Reynoso.

“I think he’s going to be the next world champion from Australia,” he said.

“He’s going to be another Kostya Tszyu, another Johnny Famechon and another Jeff Fenech.

“Australia has only had a few world champions but they have all been very great champions.

“Bilal is going to be one of them. Bilal is going to give hope to the Australian boxing community once again.”

Akkawy will take his first step to world domination when he steps into the ring to make his U.S. debut on Friday morning (AEST) on a Golden Boy Promotions card.

Like back home, Akkawy’s ferocious punching meant the promoters struggled to find him an opponent and only locked in Mexico’s Cristian Olivas earlier this week.

Reynoso has been helping the Peakhurst local prepare for the fight as well as priming Alvarez for his showdown with GGG in Las Vegas.

Bilal Akkawy (R) and superstar Canelo Alvarez ahead of the Australian's US debut.
Bilal Akkawy (R) and superstar Canelo Alvarez ahead of the Australian's US debut.

The trainer is keen to bring Akkawy to his base in Mexico, where he can start sculpting the young Aussie into a champion.

“I want to teach him all the style I thought Canelo so that’s why I want him to move to Guadalajara to train with me once the fight with Canelo and GGG is done,” he said.

DETAILS: Watch Bilal Akkawy’s U.S. debut in Las Vegas on Friday morning live from 10.00am AEST on ESPN2

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Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/boxing-mma/saul-canelo-alvarezs-trainer-vows-to-turn-aussie-bilal-akkawy-into-a-world-champion/news-story/14ee64b21bcee75c3dccbb5d4daeed64