Alex Dilmaghani is promising action in his European 130lbs title tilt against champion Samir Ziani live on Channel 5 in the UK tonight.
Dilmaghani (19-1-1, 8 KOs and 1 NC) is no stranger to a fight of the year contender having thrilled in a 12-round war with Francisco Fonseca (D12) last November. The Crayford box-fighter is primed for more action on Saturday night when he meets Frenchman and fellow southpaw Ziani (31-3-1, 6 KOs) at the Production Park Studios in Wakefield.
“Samir is a very tough guy, throws lots of punches, applies lots of pressure. But, technically, I’m far superior as will be evident on fight night,” said Dilmaghani. “He’s not that much more experienced when you consider that he’s fought three fellas three times.
“I respect him and his team but thoroughly expect to take his belt and his rankings. I’ve prepared for 12 rounds at a frantic pace, but if I clock him clean – right place, right time – and see him hurt, I’ll take him out. Style wise, it’s an attractive match-up for terrestrial TV viewers.”
***
Jack Catterall, the WBO No.1 contender at 140lbs, has expressed his relief at finally nailing down a world title shot after the sanctioning body ordered its title-holder Jose Ramirez to fight him next despite a looming unification battle with rival champion Josh Taylor.
“I have been mandatory for well over 18 months, so it’s finally a relief that the fight has now been ordered,” said Chorley’s Catterall (25-0, 13 KOs). “I have been continuously keeping fit and well but now I can start planning training camp for a fight.
“I believe in my ability. I have the skillset to beat Ramirez. I don’t expect an easy fight, but I wouldn’t want it any other way. I know there are certain things and weaknesses that I can capitalise on. I truly believe this fight will bring the best out of me.
“I will prepare like always. I will go above and beyond to be the best version of Jack Catterall come fight night. I will have a good time to prepare so I can use the correct sparring partners that will help me execute the things I have already been working on whilst staying fit during the lockdown.”
***
In action at the Osceola Heritage Park Events Center in Kissimmee, Florida, on Friday night, 140-pounder Antonio ‘Tono’ Moran (22-4-1, 18 KOs) KOed Luis Solis (25-11-4, 21 KOs) with a body shot in the sixth round to win the WBA Fedecentro title.
Fringe contender Moran, who lost to Devin Haney (LKO7) in 2019, dominated before finishing matters with a left hook downstairs and Solis failed to beat the count.
Meanwhile, red hot welterweight prospect Xander Zayas (5-0, 4 KOs) dropped Orlando Salgado (1-1, 1 KO) twice en route to a first-round stoppage win. It was the Puerto Rican’s final act as a 17-year-old fighter before he turned 18 on Saturday.