THERE will likely be a brand new face within the nook of Sultan Zaurbek tonight.
The unbeaten Kazakh super-featherweight returns to the ring in Bolton towards Argentinian opponent Roman Ruben Reynoso dwell on Channel 5. Zaurbek had beforehand been working with Scottish coach Billy Nelson however has now enlisted the companies of Manny Robles, with whom he will likely be working in America.
Zaurbek, 17-0 (12 KOs), has appeared the products and has been ranges above his opposition as he nears the 20-fight mark of a profession which started on October 26, 2018 at York Corridor towards Jose Aguilar. And whereas the gifted southpaw is ranked quantity 5 with the WBA, Robles remained cautious on his hopes for the 28-year-old. Regardless of his place within the WBA rankings, Zaurbek is but to face anybody that may be deemed a worthy adversary, so how far-off is he from dealing with somebody within the prime 15 at 130lbs?
“I imply, he’s virtually there,” Robles tells Boxing Information.
“That’s the explanation why he got here to America, to attempt to get to the following stage. There’s a great deal of sparring out right here. We get fighters from all walks of life, from all around the world, completely different types, completely different international locations, completely different appears to be like. So, I feel that’s going to make him a greater fighter.
“And clearly, with the work that we put in as coaches within the gymnasium, we wish to put him in uncomfortable conditions within the gymnasium, in sparring. I’ve had a few experiences with him the place he’s sparring, and I ask him at present, we’re going 10 rounds. I’m not asking you, I’m telling you. We’re going eight rounds, we’re going 10 rounds.
“Immediately, you’re going with so-and-so. You’ve acquired three completely different sparring companions, and also you’re going 10 rounds.That is what it’s essential undergo. As you effectively know, fights are usually not going to get any simpler. We wish to get to the following stage. He has to work as a next-level fighter.”
Zaurbek is unbeaten in 17 begins (Picture by Bryn Lennon/Getty Pictures)
Of their time spent collectively to date in 2024 Robles describes Zaurbek as “humble,” “disciplined” and has work ethic and it’s that remaining attribute that his new fighter should preserve to make sure Robles will get the very best out of him.
The Mexican coach has seen a plethora of fighters come and go in his profession. Having labored with the likes of Reggie Johnson, Oscar Valdez, Vergil Ortiz Jr., Michael Conlan, Andy Ruiz, and extra, he is aware of what he’s searching for. In June 2019, he educated Ruiz to one of many greatest heavyweight upsets of all time when he toppled Anthony Joshua at Madison Sq. Backyard to turn into the unified world champion.
Within the present local weather at Zaurbek’s weight class, there are 4 world champions: Emanuel Navarrete, Anthony Cacace, O’Shaquie Foster and Lamont Roach. Oscar Valdez is nearing one other world title alternative and former featherweight champions Leigh Wooden and Raymond Ford have moved as much as be a part of the motion.
“World champions are world champions for a cause,” says Robles.
“Each weight class, you’ve your world champions, you’ve your prime contenders, and as you’re shifting up within the ranks, fights are usually not going to get any simpler. They’re not going to get any simpler for Sultan. And I might think about, I’m guessing that’s the explanation why he’s coaching with us within the US. As a result of they’re not going to get any simpler.
“They’re going to get tougher. In order that’s what I wish to set up in his mind. Sultan must know that, hey, hear, they’re not going to get simpler. They’re going to get tougher. And you already know the saying, you win your fights within the gymnasium. In order that’s precisely what we’re making an attempt to show him, is to turn into a greater fighter. Not only a more durable, rougher fighter, but in addition to be taught methods, to be taught various things. Discover ways to battle on the within, for instance. Go to the physique and chop wooden and break a fighter down. And simply carry that canine out of him. And nonetheless be, I would like him to be aggressive, however I would like him to have management of aggression. I don’t need him to cease having his attributes and being technical fighter.
“I don’t need him to cease utilizing that. However I simply need him to be extra decided.”
