Source :- PERTH NOW NEWS
Egyptian-born Australian boxer Mai Soliman has declared it will be a ‘full-circle moment’ when she fights for the super flyweight world title at the Great Pyramids of Giza.
The 28-year-old says it feels like ‘fate and destiny’ to return to her homeland and face Mizuki Hiruta on May 23 at such an iconic location, which matches the magnitude of the fight.
The bout is part of the ‘Glory in Giza’ card, headlined by Ukrainian heavyweight superstar Oleksandr Usyk defending his WBC title against Rico Verhoeven.
“This is probably what any combat martial artist would dream of, fighting in front of one of the seven wonders of the world, especially the pyramids,” Soliman said.
“It’s a full circle moment for me.
“I was born there, maybe 35 minutes out from the pyramids itself. Moved to Ireland, went back to Egypt, came to Australia at the age of nine and started boxing in Australia.
“Now I go back to fight for my first world title fight in front of the pyramids, it doesn’t get any better than that.”
While the Japanese is undefeated, she has won by knockout in just two of her 10 fights. Soliman has six ko’s in her 10 victories, with just one loss, and is incredibly proud to be representing her culture and two supportive communities.
“For me to have the support from here and also over there, it is unreal,” she added.
“For me, I want to win and bring back the title for both countries.”
The rising star is incredibly proud of her humble beginnings, but always dreamed of making it to the big time.
“When you work hard, you pull your head down, nothing is too far off,” Soliman said.
“I like small beginnings, I’m not about huge.
“If I’m going to do something, I like to make sure I do it properly and I do it all the way. I don’t like slacking off or halving it. So for me, I knew where I wanted to go.
“Obviously, not the timeline when exactly, but the vision has always been something along these lines.”
The Sydneysider is using that confidence to fuel her preparation for the 30-year-old southpaw.
“She’s a champ for a reason,” Soliman acknowledged.
“We’ve kept an eye on her for a very long time.
“We sort of prepped for an opportunity like that that was going to come around, especially finishing on such a high note from my last year, four consecutive knockouts, four wins.
“As a smart boxer, we box smart and we don’t chase the knockout … it will come through. Again, we’ll see on the night.”
