Western suburbs boxer Ibrahim Balla will be out to defend his Oceania Featherweight Title on home soil.
The 27-year-old will be the headline act on the Westside Rumble event at Grandstar Receptions in Altona this Sunday.
“It’s a privilege and an honour to be headlining the night,” Balla said, ahead of a much anticipated main event bout with Philippines challenger Jessie Cris Rosales.
“I grew up in the western suburbs and have been sparring around the gyms as well, so I’m just excited to bring boxing back to the western suburbs.
“It’s got a fighting culture, there’s a lot of boxing gyms around the west, so it’s a big deal for me and I think it’s going to be a good night.”
Balla, who trains at The Gym Yarraville, will be putting the Oceania title belt he earned last October on the line when he steps into the ring.
The Plumpton resident enters the bout with an impressive record of 13 wins and one loss.
He is feeling confident heading into the fight.
“I’m feeling good about the fight,” Balla said.
“It’s my first title defence, but I’m real comfortable and looking forward to the challenge and the opponent. He’s going to try and take away my belt, but I can tell you it’s not leaving these shores.”
Rosales is no slouch in the ring. The 26-year-old arrives with a impressive record of 21 wins, one loss and a draw.
It will be Balla’s toughest test to date, but he is confident of putting on a show for his home fans and coming away with the spoils.
“He’s going to bring it on the night, which is what I want and what the fans want to see,” Balla said.
“He’s definitely coming to win.
“I’ve watched a bit of footage of my opponent and I think I cover him in every area of the boxing game.
“I’m faster, stronger, I’ve got better skills, so I’ve got to put that into play and focus on my game plan on the night and capitalise.”
Balla, who grew up in Hoppers Crossing, will have a vocal crowd in his corner.
He says the tight confines of Grandstar Receptions will make for an intimidating atmosphere for Rosales.
“It’s good for the public because wherever you’re sitting, you’re going to get a good view of the fight,” he said.
“I think it will be a little bit intimidating for him walking into the arena when I’ve got a lot of people supporting me from the west.”
Balla is proud to be able to share the stage with his brother Qamil. Qamil, who has an 11 win, one loss and one draw record, will be fighting on the card against Adam Abdulhamid, also of the Philippines.
