ANTHONY JOSHUA protege Souleymane Cissokho wants to race into a 2020 world title shot to make up for lost lockdown time.
The French 28-year-old signed with AJ’s 258 management in June 2019 and boxed on the undercard of his shock New York loss to Andy Ruiz Jr.
Anthony Joshua is managing Souleymane Cissokho’s path to a world title shotCredit: Everlast
Since then, the Senegal-born super-welterweight has added two more wins to his 11-0 record but he has not boxed since September and his knuckles are getting itchy.
The ruthless KO artist told SunSport: “Last year it was a dream to make my American debut at Madison Square Garden, so early in my career and to fight on such a big show, was a vital experience that you cannot buy as a boxer.
“I soaked up and learnt as much as I could during the fight week in New York.
“It was a breakthrough fight for me as it was a good performance against a tough opponent in Vladimir Hernandez that made the media and fans sit up and take notice.
“Everything that has happened so far, from winning Bronze at the Rio Olympics to signing with AJ and now Everlast coming on board has happened perfectly and me and my team are committed to the goal of me becoming world champion.
“I’m aware that one punch in boxing can turn things around, but this is where I excel and I’m fiercely determined, I train hard and I’m focused on every fight without distractions.
“I’m so hungry to win a world title, I know it will come but at the right time.”
French super-welterweight Cissokho was a stand-out amateurCredit: Sportsfile – Subscription
Cissokho could have secured a place on the AJ vs Kubrat Pulev undercard that was slated for June 20 at Tottenham’s new stadium, before COVID-19 struck.
Instead he joins the rest of the world isolating until the pandemic can be controlled and sport around the world can resume.
And some of the world’s best 11st fighters will have to check over their shoulders for the rapidly rising European, especially with Watford’s unified boss in his corner.
He said: “It is a very difficult time in France and around the world because of the coronavirus pandemic, we must keep strong and observe the guidance from the government and medics and we will defeat this terrible disease and get our world back together.
“I look at the super-welterweight division and I’m truly excited at the prospect of fighting the best when the opportunities present themselves.
Anthony Joshua is a businessman as well as a champion boxerCredit: PA:Press Association
“There are some very good names and world champions in there like Jermell Charlo and Erislandy Lara and I’ve had great sparring with former unified world champion Julian Williams.
“If I want to be the best then I have to beat these names and when the time is right the fights will happen and they will be on the biggest stage.
“Now with the world’s best manufacturer of boxing equipment in my corner and under Anthony Joshua’s management, I feel that I can go on and conquer the world and beyond.”
Anthony Joshua protege Souleyman Cissokho targets 2020 world title
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
