Hamza Uddin has set his sights on the British title after a remarkable victory over Paul Roberts in the English championship. In just his sixth professional fight, the flyweight from Walsall showcased his exceptional power by knocking Roberts down three times before securing a stoppage in the fifth round. Uddin’s impressive performance has sparked conversations about his future in the sport, with ambitions that extend well beyond national competition.
Despite standing at a modest height, Uddin possesses a striking ability to deliver knockout punches. “I think they need to get me in a lab and test me, because there’s something not right about me,” he remarked in an interview with Sky Sports. “I shouldn’t be this small, this skinny and knocking people out.” His confidence stems from a unique fighting style that blends skill with a flair for showmanship.
Uddin embraces a flashy approach to boxing, incorporating elements of dance and playful movements into his matches. “I do a bit of dancing, a bit of showboating, little shimmies. They say you’re disrespecting your opponent, but I always tell my opponent before and after, it’s not personal, I’m just having fun,” he explained. He noted that while some critics compare him to the renowned boxer Prince Naseem Hamed, his style developed independently. “I fought like him before I even knew who he was,” he stated, acknowledging the inspiration Hamed has provided.
### Ambitions for Championship Glory
Looking ahead, Uddin is eager to claim the vacant British title, which he believes could be his next step. “I’ve got the skillset, the power, speed to go at the world champions now,” he declared. “Of course, we’ve got experience to gain and things to learn, it’ll all come in due time.” His aspirations include not just being a world champion but aiming for the distinction of becoming a multi-weight champion.
A potential high-profile clash with Olympic gold medallist Galal Yafai is already being discussed. “That’s been talked about since I turned pro. I’m Walsall, he’s Birmingham,” Uddin said, emphasizing the local rivalry that could fuel their matchup. “You put me there and that’s a great fight.”
Uddin is undeterred by the challenges that lie ahead, expressing a readiness to adapt to any opponent on fight day. “I couldn’t care less who I fight. I’m going to adapt on the day and get the job done,” he asserted.
### A New Generation of Boxing Fans
As a British Bangladeshi fighter, Uddin aims to broaden the appeal of boxing to new audiences. “If I can play my cards right and put the hard work in, we can change the landscape of the sport,” he said, envisioning a future where his success inspires others. “I just want to show that a normal kid from Walsall, he’s not got big arms, he’s not done nothing fancy, he’s just doing it the hard way.”
At just 22 years of age, Uddin acknowledges that he has much more to achieve in his career. “I’m a baby so there’s so much to come,” he reflected. His journey serves as a testament to hard work and determination, proving that success can be attained regardless of one’s background or physical stature. The boxing community will be watching closely as Uddin continues to make his mark in the ring.
