Super-featherweight Aqib Fiaz plans to make the most of his high-profile slot on Matchroom’s Fight Camp series with a stylish victory over Kane Baker in Brentwood on Friday (August 7).
Trained by Jamie Moore at the V.I.P Gym in Astley, alongside the likes of Carl Frampton and Rocky Fielding, the 20-year-old Fiaz signed a promotional deal with Matchroom after a points win over Dean Jones on the Jono Carroll vs Scott Quigg undercard in Manchester in March.
The Oldham prospect now steps up from four-rounders to eight-round class with a stiffer test against the more experienced Baker (13-6, 0 KOs), a former Midlands Area champion at lightweight. Fiaz says he won’t be found wanting despite Baker’s assertion the fight will be too much, too soon.
“Kane Baker is a tough guy,” said Fiaz (5-0, 0 KOs). “I respect him. He’s a good fighter and he’s an experienced professional. I believe I’m going all the way to the top though. He’s in my way and we’ve got to get him out of the way. In my opinion, he thinks this young kid is stepping up from four rounds and jumping into an eight-rounder with him too soon.
“I’ve read some of his interviews. He’s underestimating me if he thinks he’s a huge banana skin. I’ve boxed at the highest level as an amateur. I represented my country. I’m in here sparring world class elite level fighters like Carl Frampton that have won numerous world titles. I can’t see him brining anything to the table that I can’t handle.
“I respect him and he can say what he wants. He’s watched me. I know he has. If he thinks he’s a banana skin that’s fine. I can’t really say much more than that. I’m happy for him to think that. If he thinks I’m inexperienced then he’s got another thing coming.
“If he wants to take confidence from that then that’s up to him. I don’t think his experience will make the difference on the night. I’ve been matched tough from early on. It’s a good step up for me. It’s a fight that I can win and win looking good. I’ll do it in style.”
Main image: Matchroom.