"I’m hungry to become a world champion...I believe I can make an immediate impact, but I’m going to let my team handle everything. If they want to put me in a tough fight early in my career, then I’m willing to fight anyone...I have the skills to compete with any of the top welterweights in the division. I’ve beaten some of the best Cubans, who are excellent boxers. I’ve fought power punchers with heavy hands. There is no style that I haven’t seen, so yeah, we are going to move fast if possible," stated decorated amateur Shakhram Giyasov, who talked about turning pro, his future plans, and much more. Check it out!
PC: Shakhram, it’s very nice to meet you. How is everything going?
SG: Nice to meet you as well. Everything is going great. I’m excited to be turning professional.
PC: Coming from Uzbekistan to Las Vegas could be quite the experience. I’m sure culturally there are many differences. Has your transition to Vegas life been a smooth one so far?
SG: Yes, the transition has been really smooth so far. In my country, everything moves much slower. I feel everything is moving a little faster here in America, and I like it.
PC: You come from such a decorated amateur background; Silver Medalist in the 2016 Olympic Games, Gold Medalist defeating the Cuban Gold Medalist from the 2012 Olympics in Roniel Iglesias during the AIBA World Championships. Does that experience alleviate pressure or add pressure on you as a professional?
SG: It gives me much confidence knowing I’m currently the #1 ranked amateur welterweight in the world after beating Igelsias for Gold in the summer. My experiences in the amateurs has me more relaxed because I’m confident, but I’m also excited to showcase my talent, so I feel excitement as well. I’m eager to show the world that I’m hungry to become a world champion.
PC: You’re diving right into one of the best divisions in boxing, which is the welterweight division. What immediate impact do you think you will have on such a complete division?
SG: I believe I can make an immediate impact, but I’m going to let my team handle everything. If they want to put me in a tough fight early in my career, then I’m willing to fight anyone.
PC: Decorated amateurs nowadays aren’t on the slow and long path that we used to see. They’re literally getting a handful of fights and becoming either contenders right away or title challengers. It sounds like that’s the plan for you from your trainer, Justin Gamber, as well.
SG: Yes, that is the plan. Like I said, I’ll fight anyone they put in front of me. I know I have the skills to compete with any of the top welterweights in the division. I’ve beaten some of the best Cubans, who are excellent boxers. I’ve fought power punchers with heavy hands. There is no style that I haven’t seen, so yeah, we are going to move fast if possible.
PC: What made Las Vegas the right home for you and what made Justin Gamber the right trainer for you?
SG: My manager and countryman Ruslan Kushinov brought me here to Las Vegas and introduced me to Justin Gamber. Boxer Caleb Plant and Ruslan are good friends. Ruslan scouted Justin while watching Caleb in the gym, and that’s how we all got together. In just a few days, I’ve learned so much. Justin is an excellent coach and I love the team around me.
PC: I’m sure you have heard of what a distraction Vegas could be for a professional athlete. How do you avoid these distractions? Is it a matter of just burying yourself into your work, which is boxing?
SG: It takes a lot of discipline to be a world-class fighter and that is what I believe I have. My discipline to stay focused on what will get me to the top is my driving force. I’m going to live in the boxing gym. All I do is dream of winning a world championship belt. I’m going to work harder then the next man. There is no substitution for hard work.
PC: You have a huge following back home. Hhow much does that support system motivate you and push you, even though it is miles away?
SG: It’s very flattering to have so many of my countryman supporting me. It’s part of what motivates me. I want to show everyone that Uzbekistan has some of the best fighters in the world. I’m going to make my country proud; this time as a professional.
PC: Who are some of your boxing influences?
SG: Roy Jones Jr., Vasyl Lomachenko, and Floyd Mayweather Jr. are my favorite fighters. They are precise punchers with great boxing skills. My goal is to follow in their footsteps, as far as becoming a multiple world champion, but do it in my way.
PC: What can fans expect from Shakhram Giyasov? What style do you bring to the table?
SG: Fans can expect to see me put smiles on their faces. I’m the type of fighter that likes to be aggressive first, then mix it up according to my opponent and his approach. I want to bring electrifying fights to the fans. This is entertainment and boxing needs a showman. I’m ready to fill that role.
PC: When can we expect to see you in the ring? Is there a tentative date for your pro debut or are you just getting accustomed to your new home and trainer right now?
SG: Right now, I’m just settling into my new environment. Justin and I are starting to get into a rhythm. No fight has been set as of now. I’m looking for the right promoter to join forces with. Whoever that might be will be a very happy promoter. Right now, we have multiple offers on the table.
PC: It was a pleasure speaking with you. I look forward to seeing you in the ring and best of luck on this journey. Is there anything else you would like to add before I let you go?
SG: Yes, I want to let the boxing world know that I’m a very hard worker. My plan is to conquer the welterweight division and become one of the biggest stars in the sport. The promoter that I choose to unite with is not going to regret their decision to sign me. I’m going to put all my energy into becoming the best boxer in the world. To all my fans, thank you for the continued support.
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