World Boxing Information caught up with Samir Ziani this week because the Frenchman prepares to defend his WBC Worldwide tremendous featherweight title.
On Saturday evening, Ziani [35-3-1, 8 KOs] faces the undefeated Jordan Rodriguez [9-0, 3 KOs] at Salle Vallier in Marseille. The 33-year-old is aware of a loss at this stage of his profession would devastate any future WBC title shot.
After claiming the title in Lyon final December in opposition to Jose Enriquez, Ziani is primed to place the strap on the road for the primary time. As soon as victory is secured, Ziani hopes to problem O’Shaquie Foster for the inexperienced and gold belt late this yr.
Promoter Mehdi Ameur advised WBN that he believes Ziani “can win simply” in opposition to Foster if the struggle is made.
“Samir has the talents to beat Foster and provides him a lesson on boxing. I made a decision to signal him as a result of I do know he can simply turn out to be the world champion in 2024 concerning his weight, as many fighters are very inexperienced.
“I need to manage a WBC title struggle in France and enter the historical past of boxing. Samir is the one fighter who can turn out to be a world champion and do it in France. I actually hope the Foster struggle will occur.”
He added: “Over the previous yr, Samir has turn out to be stronger mentally and bodily. He is able to turn out to be world champion this yr and is aware of he’s already [a world] champion [in the making].
“No one desires to face him, and as his promoter, I’ll work to present him this chance as a result of I do know, and all of the followers know, he’ll turn out to be the French world champion.
“I actually wish to manage this struggle with Foster in France, below the Eiffel Tower, and create historical past.”
Additionally, chatting with WBN in an unique interview, Ziani mentioned: “I really feel like a world champion already. I’m the WBC Worldwide champion and proud, however in my coronary heart, I really feel like a WBC champion.
“I do know I’ll turn out to be world champion as quickly as I struggle O’Shaquie Foster. As Mehdi mentioned, I’ll give him a boxing lesson. I’ve an enormous coronary heart, and my cardio will destroy his expertise and energy.
“Come on, Foster, come to struggle an actual champion, bro. Since 2017, I’ve been undefeated; no one will cease me till I win the world title and even after. I’m a winner. I would be the champion. I’ve fought in England and Spain and need to struggle on the Eiffel Tower.
“Be prepared as a result of April 27 I’ll destroy my opponent, and you will note the Samir Ziani is the one one!”
Learn all articles and unique interviews by Phil Jay. Study extra in regards to the creator, skilled boxing author, and World Boxing Information Editor since 2010. Comply with on Twitter @PhilJWBN.
