Exclusive SaddoBoxing Interview: Akaash Bhatia

One of the UK’s top prospects, Akaash “Kash” Bhatia, 8-0 (2), fights on tonight’s Frank Maloney promoted Ian Napa vs. Martin Power 2 card at the Newham Leisure Centre in London but was able to take some time out from his busy schedule to speak exclusively with SaddoBoxing.

SaddoBoxing: How do you see this fight?

Akaash Bhatia: “At the end of the day, it’s another stepping stone but very important that I win this fight. It’s another step in the right direction. Thankfully, this fight is made more towards my weight, where as if you look at my record previously, I’m fighting at higher weights. I’m looking forward to getting in there and doing my thing.

“I’m very excited about this fight and I’ve been training very hard as usual. I feel that when it comes to the actual fight, I’m going to shine. At the end of the day, that’s the most important thing for me. I have to put on a good performance.”

SB: What is your preferred weight?

AB: “To be honest, I’m a natural featherweight. I train hard and it’s easy for me to make featherweight, however, in order to get fights, they’ve been made at higher weights.I’ve been asked to come up in weight, which is sometimes a bit difficult to do but at the same time, the most important thing for me is to get a good result.

“Although I’ve been fighting bigger guys, I’ve had the opportunity to learn a lot of things and I wouldn’t change that for the world. I am happier that this fight is being made closer to my weight. We both have to be 9 stone 3 (129 lb) on the day, which is good for me and I’m glad.

“Hopefully, I’ve got a lot of people coming down to watch me fight and I’m just going to take things as usual, go in there and do my thing. I definitely am looking forward to this one.”

SB: Tell us about your fan base.

AB: “I live in Harrow, which is Northwest London and I sell a lot of tickets. Obviously, being Indian helps as there aren’t many Indian boxers out there and my fans are happy that they have someone to support. I’m building my following and the more I fight, the better it gets as more people come and watch me and the more people I can try to impress. We’re on the right track.”

“I don’t see this one differently than any other fight, I’m going to do what I have to do to win. I want to put on a good performance. I’ve got a lot of people coming down and it’s an important factor that I put on a good performance. It’s all right and fine, winning, but I want to impress and I want it badly. I see this as an opportunity to show what I’ve learned since my last fight. It’s all learning and I must admit that I have learned an awful lot.

“My last fight was a good win and the Sky Sports broadcasters such as Johnny Nelson and Jim Watt, both former world champions, were impressed. They’ve been there in the sport and have gone to the top so it was very important to me they had positive things to say. As far as I’m concerned, I was happy with the performance. I want to make this performance better.”

SB: You have to look good against this level of competition…

AB: “Of course I do and at the end of the day, it’s going to get harder and harder and harder…I’ve got two more six rounders but I don’t take anyone lightly. I’ve trained for this fight as I’ve trained for every other fight, if not harder. The more you fight, the better you get and the more people want to try and take your scalp, as such. I’m definitely on the right track, have learned a few things in the gym and can’t wait to get ready.”

SB: What are your goals through the 2007 season?

AB: “Right now I have to keep winning but also win well and impress. I also have to keep learning and to me that’s the most important thing. Because at the end of the day, when my trainer and my promoter think I’m ready to step up to that next level, I have to be ready for that. When I do step up to that level, I’m 100% confident that I’m going to shine and prove to everyone what I can do.

“I’m going to keep in the gym, keep active and eventually, it’s going to come. Everyone knows how hard I train and how badly I want it, so if I keep in the gym, it will come, it definitely will come.”