Zeki Hussein returns to the ring rejuvenated
Super-featherweight Zeki Hussein (0-1) looks to reignite his career as he heads back to the ring for the first time since his debut in April 2014.
Now signed to JE Promotions and training with Ray Askew and Sam Latham at the Invicta Gym in Sheerness, the 33-year-old from Gillingham is about to break a five-year, five-month-long absence from the ring as he embarks on his second pro contest on September 14 at Mote Park Leisure Centre in Maidstone, Kent.
Reflecting on his debut in 2014 when signed to Left Jab Promotions, he said, “It was a last minute change of opponent, prior to that I had about six different opponents, and once tickets are sold and all the hard work’s done, I just took what was given to me.
“He was in the weight class above me and was a winning fighter. I lost a points decision in a fight I thought I won.”
Zeki is now looking at restarting his pugilistic career with manager Joe Elfidh and his new team at the Invicta Gym.
“I’ve got a whole different team and setup, with Ray Askew and Sam Latham at the Invicta Gym, from top to bottom everything is different.
“I’ve been sparring with young, hungry fighters like Bradley Haxell, Brooklyn Tilley, who’s making his debut on the same show. I’m getting better sparring than ever before and learning a lot more tactical stuff.
“My weight’s a lot better, I’ll be campaigning at super-feather this time."
The Kent puncher has already begun mapping out his comeback.
“I want to have a couple of four-rounders, then a six-rounder, then start looking at titles whether that’s a Challenge belt at first, I’m 33 now so I don’t want to wait around.
“I really want to win a Southern Area title, the oldest belt in England, so it’s definitely a belt I want to get my hands on. Looking at the people boxing for it, it’s a reasonable target for me.”
Zeki was a standout amateur, winning 30 from 35 bouts, as well as the National Schoolboys, aged 15, and a Box Cup in Denmark in 2009. With such an extensive boxing background, he has accumulated a big following, even after his long hiatus.
“Already done my ticket allocation at eight weeks out, done five tables already. Still got plenty left but they're flyng out, I've still got a good fanbase behind me."
Despite the lengthy absence, the 130-pounder is relaxed and focused on the fight ahead.
“There’s no pressure on me, even after all the time away, due to the sparring I’m getting. These are young, hungry fighters with higher aspirations than me, they’re looking at British and beyond, so there’s no stress on me, I just need to do what I do in the gym and that’ll be enough.”
He concluded, “I’d like to say thank you to my sponsors, H&B Construction Services, JP Flynn Construction, Parkers Fire & Security.”
For tickets to the next show, visit https://www.facebook.com/JEsportsnetwork/ or call 07883 943994
JE Promotions would like to thank Kent Trade Frames – Campbell Nutrition – Swerve City – Basement159 – RoofDec – 1ClickPrint – Invicta Gym and PR Manager Tim Rickson