Shabaz Masoud: These are the fights I've been waiting for
Shabaz Masoud has vowed to produce a career-best performance when he competes in the first main event of his career against Diego Alberto Ruiz tomorrow night
Unbeaten Masoud (8-0, 2 KOs) faces Ruiz (23-3, 12 KOs) on the MTK Global and Phil Jeffries co-promotion at the Rainton Arena on Saturday, which is broadcast live on IFL TV.
The Stoke fighter hasn't put a foot wrong since making his debut back in 2018, and he hopes a win over Ruiz can now put him on the fast-track to titles.
Masoud said:"I am very excited to be the main event for the first time. I feel like it will bring even more out of me because I always rise to the occasion and I’ve dreamt of being the main event, and now it's time to make my dreams a reality.
"I can’t wait to get in there and show my talent. I feel like the better my opponent is the better I will perform. He is a tough opponent and comes to take your head off but I am ready for fights like these.
"Having an opponent that comes to win means I can actually work on stuff that I have been doing in the gym. When you box journeymen they come to survive but when someone comes to have a proper go it leaves them open which is the way I like it.
"He seems a tough fighter and has got a good record. He’s had more knockouts than I’ve had fights, but I’m ready. I've been waiting for these fights and I’m expecting to put on a career best and mature performance.
"The gym is class at the moment. All of the boys learn from one another and help each other out and being around Josh Taylor, Leigh Wood and the rest of the boys is class.
"I’m looking forward to boxing in the North East because I know the fans love their boxing, so I can’t wait to put on a show for them. My eyes are firmly set on this fight on Saturday night but once I beat Ruiz I want titles and I want them fast."
Elsewhere on Saturday's bill, Joe Laws, Joe Maphosa and Jordan Barker-Porter all return, while some of the best prospects in the North East are also in action.
HÖRFA Menswear are proud sponsors of British Boxing News