It’s a long way from Madison Square Garden to Astana in Kazakhstan.
Yet these two venues represent, in the first instance, Azinga Fuzile’s lost chance and, in the second, his great opportunity for redemption.
Ultimately 1241 days will separate the two fights, the first his disappointing IBF title defeat to Kenichi Ogawa, and this weekend’s showdown against unbeaten Sultan Zaurbek, which will put the winner in line for a crack at the vacant championship.
Having scored three straight stoppage wins since that loss in New York, the assumption is that Fuzile is back on track and primed for battle against the Kazakh, who is rated third by the WBA and fifth by the IBF.
He knows he’s a better fighter than the one who was twice dropped and lost a decision to Ogawa. Now he gets the chance to prove it, albeit against one of the tigers of the division.
“I’m fighting with the big boys now,” he said before his departure last weekend. “After this, I’m wishing for a world title.”
Zaurbek is the prototype of modern Eastern European talent. He’s strong, technically correct and has boxed internationally in a bid to prove his worldwide currency. He’s also unbeaten, although his level of opposition has been modest. Fuzile represents his best opponent by far.
Having spent recent weeks in America working with top Mexican trainer Manny Robles, expectations are that Zaurbek will be in the best shape of his life. Robles is not only a stickler for physical preparation, he preaches the virtues of mental toughness.
Given the associated terrors of fighting overseas, nothing less than the very best Fuzile will prevail in Kazakhstan. The danger of giving rounds away or hoping to land a big one later on is simply too risky. He will have to box with authority from the off.
This will be Zaurbek’s first fight at home in four years. He has every intention of making it a happy homecoming.
Fuzile, however, can spoil the party – provided he produces the fight of his life.
TV: SuperSport Action (DStv ch 210), from 5pm Saturday.
