Tarik Zaina ready for UK debut - then wants to test himself against Sam Noakes or Adam Azim

Tarik Zaina all set for UK debut - then wants to test himself against Sam Noakes or Adam Azim

It has been a far-from-typical journey for Tarik Zaina , and 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 in Birmingham.

The 29-year-old super lightweight was born in Morocco and grew up in Gibraltar before moving 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, he made the bold step of plying his early trade in the competitive hotbed of Mexico, where he fought and won his first 10 bouts, winning eight by knockout.

"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, 1 draw, and 2 defeats in that time, starting out in the small halls of Tijuana before eventually landing a fight at the Mecca of boxing, Madison Square Garden, in New York. He may have tasted defeat that night against highly-touted prospect Delante Johnson, but the confidence gained from that challenge has followed him across the Atlantic.

"I have always thought that I can be great," Zaina 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 title challenger, managed by Ryan Rickey, has based himself at the BCB Gym in Wednesbury, training alongside the likes of Tyler Denny and Liam Davies.

The climate may not be the same, but Zaina has enjoyed the experience so far as he prepares for December 20th.

"I really like it here at BCB; it's like a family. 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, and 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 be 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