Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov is not interested in an at-length discussion of his upcoming title fight defense.
Not even the aid of a translator could get the unbeaten Tajikistan-born southpaw to open up about his rescheduled showdown versus Cardiff’’s Joe Cordina. The two meet for the IBF junior lightweight title previously held by Cordina but which Rakhimov has claimed and will defend in the lion’s den at Cardiff International Arena (Saturday, DAZN, 7:00 p.m. local time/2:00 p.m. ET).
“I’m born ready,” Rakhimov stated in his direct and to-the-point English during Thursday’s final pre-fight press conference. “It will show in the ring.”
Rakhimov (17-0-1, 14KOs) made history in a variety of ways with his title win. He had to recover from a third-round knockdown to twice drop and eventually stop Zelfa Barrett in the ninth round of their vacant title fight last November 5 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The bout was the first major title fight on Abu Dhabi soil, while Rakhimov became the first Tajikistani boxer to win a belt from one of the four major sanctioning bodies.
The original plan called for Rakhimov to challenge Cordina (15-0, 9KOs), who was forced to withdraw from their scheduled mandatory title fight due to a broken hand injury. It led to the 31-year-old Welshman having to vacate the belt, which Rakhimov will attempt to retain in his first title defense.
Armed with an all-star team that includes Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach and multi-time Manager of the Year recipient Egis Klimas, the 28-year-old is confident of leaving the U.K. with his title reign still intact.
“I have a great team with me. I have the best trainer in the sport, Freddie Roach,” insisted Rakhimov. “We know the keys the victory but we’re not going to tell anyone here. We will just show it on Saturday.”
Jake Donovan is a senior writer for BoxingScene.com. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox