Riyaz Ali cannot wait until November before he gets into the ring and give ‘the best fight of his life,’ which he said would be the result of several years of concentration, hard work and intense training.
The bout would be in aid of charity, following which he hopes to go professional and appear for the Lightweight Championship title.
“I hope to be the first person of Indian origin to win the title in New Zealand,” he said.
Edwin Samy and Harry (Hari) Venkat, respectively Muay Thai 3x Champion and New Zealand Boxing Champion are training him for the event.
Tough schedule
Riyaz follows a punishing schedule of full time employment during the working week and training and practicing in the boxing world in the evenings and during weekends.
He said that his family is the main source of strength and support.
Boxing is in the blood of this 26-year-old Auckland born Fijian and is proud of his idol, the legendary Mohammed Ali, one of the most successful pugilists in the world.
Beginning his career in boxing when he was 14 years of age, Riyaz took his first bout as an amateur boxer about two years later.
Proud record
He is proud of his record that he registered during his initial years; four amateur fights, of which he won three matches.
He said training has been an essential part of his boxing career.
“I have spent more years in training than facing an opponent in the ring. I have been appearing in exhibition matches since 2003. A car dealer, who I met at my first fight, offered to sponsor me and help in the progress of my career as a boxer.
“Thereafter, I appeared only once a year but underwent thorough training. I have had the privilege of being trained by some of the best in the profession, including Chris Martin, who trained David Tua for his match against Monte Barrett,” he said.
Feroz recalled a match in which he vanquished Sam Montage, who later became the National Amateur Champion.
“I knew I had the fighting spirit and winning quality but I felt it was more important to train better and be prepared for bigger bouts,” he said.
