Hamzah: I’m going to be a world champ

Hamzah Ahmed…a young man not lacking in self confidence

FOR former top amateur Hamzah Ahmed, the wait for his pro game has been long and frustrating.

It’s been seven months since Hamzah “turned over” with Birmingham’s Anthony Manning. An initial brain scan query slowed the process, now the 23-year-old is waiting for a debut date.

“In a way, it’s been a blessing,” said Hamzah, from Walsall. “The time has helped me develop my game. But I’m not getting any younger and it’s been too long.”

Hamzah, who studied sociology and social policy at Aston University pledges when it does happen, fans are in for a treat.

He is a young man not lacking in self confidence, a young man with lofty ambitions.

“I’ve told Anthony I’m going to be his first world champion – at super-feather (junior-light),” he said.

During Ramadan, he posted on facebook: “Parched eyes and dry lips, my mouth seeking a drop of water to quench my thirst. I fight through the struggle because my name is Hamzah. Translated to LION in Arabic.”

Hamzah certainly has the credentials to claim titles in the professional ranks. A product of home town club Fearless Boxing Academy, he won 50 of 60, claimed 10 Midland titles, a British Universities title, national title and boxed for England.

“I boxed in the elites and got beaten by the GB number one seed and it was by a split,” Hamzah said. “I decided then to go pro – the amateur style is all about smothering your work. Over the last seven months I’ve made a massive transition. It’s become like a full-time job, I train every day, twice a day. It’s a job.”

“I know what I bring to the table. I’m an exciting fighter, I can talk well, I’m confident, I’ve got that charisma and I can punch a bit. There were three standing counts in my last five amateur fights. I’ve got a good following – 7,000 on Instagram.

“What I’m doing with Anthony, it’s very technical and I can see how my style has improved.”

Away from the ring Hamzah is a health advisor, helping those with health issues.

But, at present, there’s only one thing on his mind – becoming a pro champ.

“I haven’t got time to chill,” Hamzah added. “I’m chasing the dream, I’m on an exciting journey.”

As yet, it’s too early to say how far that journey will take the fighter, but it looks like being an enjoyable ride for fans.