Josh Padley vs. Aqib Fiaz press conference quotes and fight prediction

Josh Padley (18-1, 6 KOs) will soon put his European super featherweight title on the line against Aqib Fiaz (14-1, 2 KOs).

Their 12-round bout headlines a Matchroom Boxing card at the Utilita Arena in Sheffield, England. Fight fans around the world can catch the action live on DAZN. The original main event for this card was Dalton Smith vs. Alberto Puello. Due to an injury to Smith, it was replaced by Ricardo Sandoval vs. Galal Yafai. However, an injury to Yafai resulted in Padley vs. Fiaz becoming the new main event.

Both men spoke at a press conference ahead of their June 6 contest. Below is some of what they had to say.

Josh Padley vs. Aqib Fiaz press conference quotes

Josh Padley

“Like I say, it’s opportunities in this game,” said Padley. “Stay ready and when the opportunities come, roll the dice and take the risk. I’ve built a career on that and again, this time an opportunity has come. Thankfully for Matchroom and DAZN for keeping this show on. I’m now the headliner. Another experience that I’m more than willing to step up to the plate for.”

“I need to keep building. I’ve always said that I’d love to get back to a world title opportunity given a full training camp, given a bit more than four days notice. The way that I do that is to keep winning and keep progressing. We’ve picked up three titles with Matchroom now. Two international titles [and] a European title. Now it’s chance to defend a title. First time doing that as a professional. Looking forward to that experience.”

Aqib Fiaz

“Obviously I’ve had a bit of inactivity, but that’s through no fault of our own,” said Fiaz. “I was scheduled to fight obviously in January. Show was cancelled and then because of Ramadan was unable to do the date. Some things are just written I believe and I felt like this fight was written. This opportunity was there. Ended up main event. These things are meant to be and I feel like Saturday night is meant to be and I’m willing to do whatever it takes…No stone’s been left unturned. I’ve done everything in my powers and on Saturday I’m ready to do whatever it takes.”

“Josh is a very good fighter. All respect to him…But I feel like I’m younger, I’m fresher, and to be quite honest, this talk about experience and stuff, I feel like I’m very experienced myself, too. I’ve been around for years. Frank [Smith, Matchroom Boxing CEO], you signed us six years ago. I was 19. I’ve been around for a long time. I’ve had almost a whole career already…I’m younger, fresher, and I’m more experienced which is not normal. That’s not normal in a fight and I think that’s what wins me this fight…”

Josh Padley vs. Aqib Fiaz fight prediction

From Big Fight Weekend’s Ricky Carroll: Padley is a hard-working fighter. He throws with volume and refuses to give opponents time to breathe. He has excellent stamina and picks his shots impressively. His experience since the Shakur Stevenson fight will be invaluable for him going forward. Padley’s power is underrated, and he’s given us a glimpse of it in recent fights, with two stoppage wins in his last three bouts.

Fiaz was a good amateur, with his career being somewhat stop-start since turning professional. He possesses good footwork and is often difficult to pin down. He’s a talented counterpuncher and will be relying on that against Padley.

We are backing the pressure from Padley to be too much for Fiaz, with Padley winning by unanimous decision.

Full press conference

For the press conference in its entirety, click here or the play button below. Video courtesy of Matchroom Boxing.

Featured Image Credit

Mark Robinson – Matchroom Boxing