ALEX DILMAGHANI insists on making the breast of boxing’s lockdown while his rivals pad their records like loose bras.
The Surrey 29-year-old fights for the European super-featherweight crown on Saturday night, live on Channel 5.
Alex Dilmaghani does not want easy fights especially during lockdownCredit: Getty Images – Getty
The crucial clash comes ten months after an agonising draw in his effort to land the IBO world title and he binned all offers of a warm-up fight in between.
The law graduate told SunSport: “Why would I want a warm-up fight at a time when it is so hard for anyone to get fights at all?
“I’m very grateful that I have the chance to box during this terrible time and I am not going to waste it on a warm-up or keep-busy win.
“I’ve seen a lot of the lockdown shows have had some terrible matches. There have been some good 50-50 headliners but a lot of supposedly good fighters have beaten journeymen, it’s embarrassing.
Alex Dilmaghani is fighting for the EBU super-featherweight title on SaturdayCredit: Lawrence Lustig
“Padding to build confidence or improve your appearance should be left to bras. I’ve got no time for it in boxing.”
Dilmaghani, ranked the UK’s 14th best 9st 4lbs fighter, faces dangerous Frenchman Samir Ziani behind closed doors with both men eyeing up world title challenges immediately after.
But the Southampton University alumni – who has boxed out of Mexico and Canada in a self-made 19-1-1 career on the road – fancies a thrilling all-UK clash too.
“If this virus keeps limiting international travel and fights then I have an ideal domestic route mapped out and the Carl Frampton fight is top of that,” he said.
“I know Frampton has the WBO world title fight with Jamel Herring lined up but Herring has a hard fight before that and anything can happen.
“I would love the Frampton fight, he has been a great champion but I watched his tune-up fight recently and it was a waste of time.
“It’s unlikely he would take the fight because it would be seen as high risk and low reward for him.
“But if he or any other British fighter wants to be in a real fight for the fans during this time then they won’t have to look hard to find me.”
Boxer Alex Dilmaghani talks about training in Mexico and sparring with Juan Manuel Marquez
Watch live this Saturday night on free-to-air Channel 5
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
