Hussein keeps busy

August 1, 2001 – By Paul Upham: WBO No.2 Hussein Hussein headlines a Fenech Fight Night promotion in Sydney on Friday night at the Bankstown Bellevue Convention Centre when he meets Rodel “Kid” Orais from the Philippines, in what will be his final bout before his challenge for the WBO flyweight title in September.

Hussein, 15-0 (12), is looking forward to his WBO title clash, but must win his Friday night fight to ensure his world title shot. “I’m looking forward to fighting for the WBO title, but first I have to concentrate on winning on August 3,” said Hussein, who is scheduled to face WBO flyweight champion Fernando Montiel, 22-0-1 (17), in London on a Frank Warren promotion in September.

“It’s going to be no easy task over there. I’m not thinking ahead at all. I’m not thinking about the Montiel fight. My mind is on this Friday night, win the fight and do the best that I can do. Look the best that I can, then I’ll concentrate on my next fight.”

The 25-year-old Hussein started boxing at age 11 and represented Australia at the 1996 Olympic Games, making it to the second round where he lost to Damaen Kelly from Ireland.

“That’s one thing that every kid should try to do, represent your country in the Olympic games. It’s a once in a life time opportunity and if you can do that, it’s a dream come true and something you have with you for the rest of your life,” said Hussein, who turned professional in February 1998. He followed younger brother Nedal, who had already turned professional in joining trainer Jeff Fenech, the three-time world champion.

“It changed my career. Joining Jeff was like a new career. Learning new things all the time, that is why it is never boring and always exciting. We have the best trainer in the whole world. We train as hard as any boxer in the world.

“I’ve enjoyed it very much, especially since I’ve joined Team Fenech. It’s a great group of people in the team. We all get along very well. Everyone is going their own way in their career but we are together and support each other Things are paying off now and once you see that it makes it more enjoyable,” said Hussein.

“Jeff has great contacts overseas and is very well respected by everyone in the USA and England. It is great to have someone in your corner that has so much confidence in you.”

Looking at the flyweight champions, Hussein is hopeful that one day he will be able to unify the division with WBA champion Eric Morel, once he has the WBO title around his waist.

“When I look at Morel and Montiel, I think that I can do the same things that they can do. I think I can beat these guys. I can do exactly what they can do. It’s just a matter of doing it the right way, knowing in your own mind that you can do it and training hard for it.”

The goals are very clear for Hussein, who has easily dominated all of his opponents so far and is renowned for his power punching and vicious body attacks. “First I want to get that WBO world title and then to become the best flyweight in the world.”


Paul Upham
Contributing Editor