“I’ve been ignored for too long,” said Al-Harbi, “and I can’t wait to show everyone what I’m about.
“I spent most of last year trying to get a big fight. But all the champions from welterweight to middleweight either wanted too much money or they just didn’t want to fight me.
“I’ve finally got the chance to show my skills.
“I know this fight is a big step up for me, but Jamie isn’t at my level and I’m going to prove it to him. He’s a bit predictable, while I’ve got fast hands, fast feet and can throw punches from all angles.”
Al-Harbi models his boxing on Sugar Ray Leonard – “I watch his fights on DVD, then try things out in the gym” he said – and could be heading for a massive battle of Birmingham.
Max Maxwell challenges Brian Rose for the British 11-stones belt in Blackpool on Saturday, March 31 and if Max can land the right hand that flattened Rose when they boxed in May, 2010, the former gym mates could meet for the Lonsdale belt.
Al-Harbi says he plans to wear the Lonsdale belt by the end of the year – and is also exploring other routes.
He is being lined up to challenge Patomsuk Pathumpothong for his WBC Youth 11-stones title.
Pathumpothong, from Thailand, is currently ranked No 30 by the WBC and Al-Harbi has given up his studies to target titles in 2012.
He was set to study for a Business Studies degree at University, but said: “There wasn’t going to be enough time for me to study and train.
“If I want to achieve my boxing ambitions, I have to be training three times every day. I can go back to my degree after I’ve achieved all I want in boxing.”
January 19, 2012
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