Ramez Mahmood is currently the Southern Area Featherweight Champion after a decisive points victory over the previously unbeaten Jack Budge, a bout ‘The Mathematician’ believes could put him in contention for a shot at Brad Foster’s Super Bantamweight British Title. We inevitably started with the lockdown situation.
SB: Hi Ramez, I just wanted to start with asking how the lockdown has affected your training? RM: Hi mate, sorry for the late response, funny you ask about training because that’s exactly what I’ve just finished! In response to your question – training has been affected but I am taking positives away from the situation. The obvious negative is that gyms are closed so I’m doing all my training at home, but I am treating my training like I am a full time professional, seeing as I am off work currently. So that’s a slight positive as I don’t have the restrictions of balancing work and training. I have a little punch bag at home, rowing machine, a few weights and a treadmill so can get through a few different workouts at home as well as keeping my running up.
SB: Yeah, that’s a good way of looking at it and that was something I wanted to touch on. With you being a Maths teachers, at what point would you be willing to take a step back from that and transition into a full time boxer?
RM: It’s all down to when the opportunities and money justifies it to be completely honest. Right now, the purses aren’t enough to live on full time, which is why I (and many other boxers) work alongside the boxing. I’m aiming towards the British and commonwealth title and once those are won then I’m sure I can push on to be a full time pro.
SB: Yeah of course, a roof over your head and food on the table comes first. In terms of striving for the British and Commonwealth, from your record, you have proven that you’re willing to take risks. Already taking 2 undefeated records. The latest Jack Budge’s to claim the Southern Area Title, how has that victory impacted your career opportunities so far?
RM: Of course it was a good victory, especially with Budge’s amateur pedigree coming in, it was a genuine 50-50 fight on paper. That victory has pushed me into contention for those bigger titles, if I hadn’t won my area title then I wouldn’t be deserving of a British or Commonwealth title fight, but now I have won the southern area and showed I can box at a good pace over 10 rounds, it shows I am ready for the bigger fights.
SB: That’s it mate, fantastic victory. With the British title obviously wrapped up for the time being, with it being on the line in the Golden contract, how are you planning your next few fights? Would you be looking at Reece Mould’s English title as your next step?
RM: Well I’ve actually always been a super bantamweight, but only took the southern area at featherweight due to that opportunity being there. So my dream fight right now is Brad Foster, who holds the British and commonwealth title at super bantamweight. As mentioned before, I’ll take the right opportunities at featherweight also if they are there, Mould is actually mandatory for the British at featherweight so likely won’t be boxing until it’s for the British, but I feel my optimal weight is super bantamweight
SB: Oh, so you just moved up for the fight. Apologies, I thought that was your new weight. Beating Brad Foster for the British Title would catapult your career immensely, with him being top 5 ranked in Britain and top 10 in Europe. There would be some brilliant fights in that division with the likes of Qais Ashfaq, Gamal Yafai and Lucien Reid who would all be in contention your title, was you to claim it. Is the Brad Foster fight one you’re looking at straight after isolation or would you be wanting a warm up? RM: I would take that straight after isolation if the opportunity was there. I think with all boxers being in the same position, a warm up may not necessarily be needed. SB: I agree and also if you’re putting in the work at home, it actually could be an advantage. Is it just the title for the reason you’re wanting the Foster fight or do you believe you have the beating of him and want that fight with or without it? RM: The main reason is the fact that he holds both the British and commonwealth title, and the fact that I believe I have the beating of him as well. Nothing personal against him, it’s all about the belts SB: Well I’ll be keen to see it and good luck with getting the fight. If possible and the fight gets made, I would love to come down for it and have a chat with you. RM: Thank you, I hope it can happen as well, if not then I’ll just keep getting the wins and force myself into position, it’ll come soon or later provided I keep doing my bit in the ring and I won’t be denied. SB: Love the attitude mate. Keep grinding, get your shot and take it. I’ll be keeping an eye on your career and willing you on throughout. Good luck with everything, stay safe and thank you for your time. RM: Thank you for the interview.
Bobby Gunn of SimBoxx🥊
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