Ghanaian welterweight Alidu Suleman, 23, has vowed to make a statement when he battles home favorite Jake 'Jabs' Abrol for the Commonwealth title in England next month (September 7).
Suleman (11-1, 9 KOs) has booked the clash against the undefeated Abrol (10-0-1, 4 KOs) in the headliner of VIP Promotions’ bill at Winter Gardens in Blackpool, Lancashire, which will be sanctioned by the British Boxing Board of Control.
Suleman will only be making his second voyage outside of Ghana since turning pro in 2019. Despite falling to the defeat on his previous trip outside the West African country, a controversial decision loss to Nigeria's Taiwo Olowu after a 10-round battle for the West Africa Boxing Union (WABU) welterweight belt in Lagos last December, Suleman believes a lot of lessons were imbibed during the experience which will all come into play against Abrol, even in faraway England.
"I was very disappointed when the verdict was announced because I thought I had done well to win the fight," he said of the defeat in Nigeria.
"It was a bitter experience but one that also has made me stronger because I proved that I cannot be intimidated by the huge home crowd which was very hostile throughout," Alidu Suleman added.
"I know that experience will come in handy against my opponent in the UK but most importantly, I also know I have to put my destiny into my own hands and be even more convincing in order to win. I will definitely be ready for my opponent," Suleman went on.
In 21-year-old Jake 'Jabs' Abrol, the Ghanaian has his work cut out against a boxer who will be at home at the venue which has hosted five of his 11 fights since turning pro in September 2021. Abrol, who has also faced international opponents in more than half of his pro fights, made a quick comeback from the only blemish on his career record by dispatching veteran compatriot Justin Menzie in Leeds in July.