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Light heavyweight Ahmed Elbiali (18-1, 15 KO) is set to open Saturday night’s FS1 broadcast from Mississippi, with the Egyptian-born, Miami-based Elbiali looking to make it three straight wins following a 2017 loss to Jean Pascal.
Elbiali, 28, is now working with trainer Justin Gamber, who is also known for his work with IBF super middleweight titleholder Caleb Plant, and says he’s geared up for fight night.
On training with new coach Justin Gamber
”I’ve been learning a lot since I started training with Justin Gamber, which was about six weeks ago. Nothing against my old trainers, I just felt I needed a new look. Justin and I work well together and I’ve improved tremendously. I’m learning how to relax more in the ring, which has helped me keep my power in the later rounds of sparring. Justin is a great coach and together we are going to make some noise in the light heavyweight division.”
On his recent training camp
”I’ve put in a lot of hard work for this training camp and I can see the difference compared to other camps I’ve had in the past. I’m working on the fundamentals of boxing, using my jab more and setting up my combinations. I know I have the power to knock out my opponents, but now I’m learning more how to set it up. Living and training in Las Vegas has been a big boost to my career because the sparring out here is second to none. I’m having a great training camp.”
On his matchup with Marlos Simões
”I know Simões is a durable opponent who’s only been stopped once in his career. I’m expecting him to be in great shape. He’s had a lot of success in the ring, so I’m preparing for a guy who can really fight. I’m just going to go in there and execute my game plan.”
On when he will be ready for a world title shot
”I want to get as many fights as possible this year and make a world title run in 2020. Of course, everything is predicated fight to fight, but that is the goal.”
On making his televised return on FS1
”Fighting on FS1 is always fun and exciting. FS1 is the platform where us fighters get the most exposure while we’re coming up. You can’t compare any other network to FOX, where the whole world can tune in. It’s truly a blessing for me to be fighting on FS1.”