Spider and Sahil set for explosive debuts

Spider Sulaimaan with Yours Truly at yesterday’s press call

AMONG the knot of fight fans waiting patiently outside Birmingham’s Grand Hotel yesterday for a glimpse of their heroes, there was a stir.

A tall figure strode out of the historic building, setting for the press conference to unveil Matchroom’s major Utilita Arena bill on Saturday, and drew on a cigarette.

As the only pensioner among the group and the only individual wearing a cloth cap, I stood out. I stood out like a sore thumb.

The tall figure looked me up and down, smiled, nodded and shouted: “Alright, Mike!”

After he’d departed, a young man approached with a degree of reverence and mouthed: “That was Jaykae, bro!”

Jaykae is a very famous Birmingham rapper. As a 65-year-old, I’m not familiar with his body of work, but I do know he’s currently utilising his considerable energy to the benefit of Birmingham’s professional fight scene.

In particular, he’s championing former outstanding amateur Ibraheem “Spider” Sulaimaan, who makes his pro debut on the Utilita Arena “Nxt Gen” show. In the unpaid ranks, Ibraheem, a product of Eastside gym, won four national titles, including the senior ABAs at light-welter.

I’d like to thank Jaykae for bestowing me with a degree of street cred among the younger generation. It’s much needed.

Sahil Khan has promised an explosive pro debut

Sulaiman is one of two sensational amateurs making their bow at the Utilita Arena. The other, Dudley’s Sahil Khan carries dynamite in both fists.

The 20-year-old is a six times national champ, eight times Midlands champ, six times international champ, Haringey gold medallist and tri nations title holder.

Both young men certainly looked the part at the press conference, they were dressed to the nines – and both were happy to chat away from the cameras.

Sulaimaan has shifted over 500 tickets for his debut, which, during these economically troubled times, is staggering.

“It will be a special moment,” he said, “and I can’t wait to showcase my skills. The whole city is behind me, this is going to be a good night.”

Khan comes into the game with some very impressive stats to his name. Of 70 amateur contests, he lost only seven. He knocked out 28 – 18 of those victims in the first round.

He told me: “Expect an explosive performance. I’m not looking for the knockout, but if the opportunity comes, I’ll take it.”