Warren Boxing Management’s Sonny Warren believes Masood Abdulah can put himself amongst the best of the domestic featherweights if he succeeds in his big Commonwealth title test against George Stewart at York Hall, Bethnal Green tonight (Friday).
After winning the ‘silver’ version of the Commonwealth title on two occasions, the 30-year-old from Islington has that golden opportunity to claim the full version of a belt he has been chasing for a while.
Former holder Nathaniel Collins was expected to meet Abdulah next until the Glaswegian decided to vacate and pursue European honours.
Last time out at the Copper Box Arena in February, Abdulah demolished Leeds-based Qais Ashraq in five rounds to advance his unbeaten record to10 contests along with retaining the silver mantle.
Inverness-based Stewart arrives at the iconic East London venue with an unbeaten record of seven straight wins. In his last outing in Motherwell, the 22-year-old outpointed fellow Scotsman Andy Tham over 10 rounds to bag the Celtic featherweight mantle.
Warren, whose uncle is Queensberry Promotions legendary Hall of Fame promoter Frank, revealed the Ashfaq contest from February should have been for the top Commonwealth prize.
“I think it’s very important for Masood to win the full version of the Commonwealth title,” he said.
“It should’ve been on the line at his previous fight with Qais Ashfaq. However we move forward. I would’ve liked the British also, but to secure this belt means a lot and cements Masood to where he should be in the division.
“We at Warren Boxing Management feel Masood is one of the best in the country and soon to be in the world. The problem we've had with Masood is there are only a few opponents that would step into the ring with him.
"He has stepped up in levels very quickly in the sport and by his results you can see why.
“George Stewart, who we got Masood to face at this point, is still unbeaten and the highest ranked fight we could get.”
Top of the bill features Sam Noakes defending his European lightweight crown against Italy’s Gianluca Ceglia with all the action on TNT Sports from 7pm.
Meanwhile, Elliot Elimasi is the latest Islington ABC talent to enter the professional ranks.
The 24-year-old reigning senior elite London cruiserweight champion has joined Queensberry Promotions.
And Warren has high hopes for Elimasi, who will campaign at light-heavyweight.
“We are really excited to have Elliot in our stable and have great expectations for him in the pro ranks,” he added.
“He was always the main event in the amateurs which gave him his nickname. Now he aims to become main eventing as soon as possible for Queensberry Promotions.”
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