Zaina - from Mexico and Madison Square Garden to Brum bill
Tarik Zaina…super-lightweight is well travelled. Pic: Top Rank
IT’S been a far-from-typical journey for Tarik Zaina, writes PAUL WEBB.
After years honing his skills across North and South America, he makes his UK debut December 20th on BCB Promotions’ Winter War at the Eastside Rooms, Birmingham, on December 20.
The 29-year-old super-lightweight was born in Morocco, grew up in Gibraltar then moved to England to attend university in Leeds.
Like many boxers, the onset of the pandemic in 2020 forced him to rethink his plans to turn professional. But rather than sit and wait on the sidelines for boxing to return, Tarik made the bold step of plying his trade in the competitive hotbed of Mexico.
"I lived in England for around seven years,” said Zaina. “I was meant to turn pro in the UK, but Covid hit and there were no shows, so I was stuck. I went to Germany and spoke to promoters there, but I wasn't sure it was the right deal for me.
“So I kept looking and from living in Gibraltar I already spoke Spanish, so Mexico seemed the best choice. I planned on being there for just six months, but I fell in love with the country and four years later I was still there. It is a great place to learn how to box. It's the country that has produced the most world champions and it was an invaluable experience and made me the person I am today, but I always wanted to come back here."
Zaina built up a solid record of 14 wins, one draw, and two defeats. He started out in the small halls of Tijuana before eventually landing a fight at the Mecca of boxing, Madison Square Garden, New York. He may have tasted defeat that night against touted prospect Delante Johnson, but the confidence gained has followed him across the Atlantic.
"I have always thought that I can be great,” he said. “My dream was to test myself at the top level and I asked for those tough fights. The one at Madison Square Garden I might have lost, but it was a close, competitive fight and showed I belong at that level. I just need some fine-tuning and a bit more work."
After relocating back to the second city, the former WBO Latino super-lightweight challenger has based himself at the BCB Gym in Wednesbury, training alongside the likes of Tyler Denny and Liam Davies.
"I really like it here at BCB, it's like a family,” he added. “Everyone talks to each other, everyone has a laugh, but at the same time the hard work is there and it's better to have both. Some gyms are like an army regiment - you go in, train, get out and you don't connect. Here it's nice to be part of this team.
"I never look for the KO. I am there to do a job and this is me dipping my finger in the British boxing pie. Boxing here has always been my dream and it is about to become a reality. I'm excited for it and I'm going to enjoy my night.
“I want to get myself in line for a world title in time. I just need the right guidance and management. After this fight, or maybe the one after, I want to test myself against the best British prospects in my division like Sam Noakes or Adam Azim. I know I can perform, and I know I can beat them.”
*Tickets for Winter War, headlined by Tommy Collins vs. Sajid Abid, are available now, priced at £45 standard and £80 VIP, from the boxers directly or by emailing info@bcb-promotions.com.