'He told me not to jinx it!' - Fiaz ready to seize headline opportunity

"Everything's gone to plan," he tells DAZN News, before he quirks his lips into a sly grin. "It's going to be a great summer as European champion."

The Oldham native has the chance to change his life this weekend when he challenges Josh Padley for the EBU super-featherweight title.

Yet his shot at glory is more than just a belt - it is a headline bout at one of the country's biggest indoor venues, the Utilita Arena Sheffield.

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Originally due to prop up a homecoming show for WBC super-lightweight champion Dalton Smith, double injuries have put Fiaz at the top.

First, 'Thunder' was forced to withdraw from his planned defence. Then, new headliner Galal Yafai was forced to pull out of the event too.

Fiaz didn't find out until shortly before, and admits he may have jinxed matters. "I learned five minutes before it was announced," he laughs.

"When Dalton pulled out, I said to a friend all I needed was Galal to pull out too. He told me not to jinx it, but lo and behold, here we are!"

'I feel like I'm more accomplished'

Still, the magnitude of the occasion will not distract the 26-year-old from the task at hand. He wants that belt - and he wants it in style.

A solitary 2023 loss to Reece Bellotti in his challenge for the vacant Commonwealth belt remains the only blemish on his career thus far.

He has not taken away new tricks from that result, other "than the lessons and the tests that God gives you", when he looks back on it.

"I needed it," he admits. "I was very young, very green. Now, I feel like I'm more accomplished - as a man, as a fighter and as a person." 

How does he feel he compares to Padley, who shot to global fame after a short-notice bout with pound-for-pound star Shakur Stevenson?

"I feel like although Padley has been in there, I'm more experienced. I've been around for a long time, but I've not got many miles on the clock."

Fiaz pauses, then refocuses. "I've not had the hard wars, or the hard fights. I feel I'm fresher, younger. This is my fight, and this will be my night."

'I'm the example and role model'

But this is more than just a chance to earn continental honours. It also represents a chance for the star to fly the flag for his community again.

A proud Oldham man, Fiaz runs a gym in the town that helps the younger generation find a path. It is something that he does not take lightly.

"We have hundreds of kids walk through the doors every week, trying to follow in my footsteps and those who came before me," he muses.

"To represent them and my hometown, it's a massive responsibility, and one that I carry with great honour. It's something that I always look to do."

Francois Nel

He smiles. "My dreams and my aspirations are not just my own, they're for these kids too. I'm the example and role model. They're right behind me."

Time is up, with Fiaz back in the saddle as he trains for the night of his life. Should he win, there will be a target on his back to succeed.

Does he have any plans for what's next? He gives another wry grin. "I'm a great believer in God's plan. His plan is greater than ours.

"Whatever is next. Eddie and Matchroom, I'll leave that to them. My job on the night is to get in there on the night and bring that title home."

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