BELIEVE THE HYPE: Hussain ready to make his name

DECORATED amateur champion Benjamin Hussain makes his long-awaited debut at Smithy’s TGW Gym tonight.

Benjamin Hussain (right) after a sparring session with former world champion Jeff Horn. Photo: Contributed

BOXING: If there’s one boxer that’s more than ready to light Smithy’s TGW Gym tonight, it’s Benjamin Hussain.

The man known as ‘The Hype Beast’ has developed just that through a credentialed career on the amateur circuit.

Despite being just 21-years-old, Hussain has more accolades in the sport than most have had baked dinners.

He boasts six Queensland state championships, an Australian championship, two Super 8 tournament victories, gold in the 2019 Hong Kong City Cup and has represented Australia at the youth Commonwealth Games.

Now he is ready for the next part of his boxing journey, stepping out for his first professional bout against Rachan Klomgleang.

Had things gone to plan, Hussain would’ve already had a bout under his belt, with the talented boxer originally scheduled to fight on March 28 at Fortitude Valley, only for the card to be cancelled due to COVID.

While the setback wasn’t on the books, Hussain said he remained focused during the lockdown period, and is chomping at the bit to begin his professional career.

“I’m feeling really good. I can’t wait to show everyone my skills. I’m really pumped and excited,” he said.

“I felt a little bit discouraged (after the cancellation), particularly because the weight loss was a bit lower for that fight.

“But I trained through the lockdown period and stayed really fit. I ended up training in my coach’s garage.”

Hussain said he is ready to make the transition from the amateur style to the professional scene and will call on sparring experience with the likes of former world champion Jeff Horn to try and get an edge over Klomgleang.

“On the night the cameras and the crowd (will be the biggest differences). The atmosphere will be a lot better,” he said.

“In terms of the fight, I will have to be more grounded.

“He’s had 30 amateur fights and almost 40 Muay Thai fights, so I will be taking him very seriously.

“I take a lot of the sparring experiences. I’ve had a lot of world-class sparring partners and it helps you to get ready for this.

“There’s a lot of excitement. I’ve got an awkward style, but I’m excited to show the country and put my name on the map.”

The five-fight Locked Down Lights Up card can be viewed on Epicentre. TV.