Shabaz Masoud: 'I Feel Like I'm Better Than Him In Every Aspect'

Frank Smith, Matchroom Boxing CEO:

“Shabaz Masoud has obviously had a lot of time out of the ring but he’s coming back into a proper fight. It’s what we need. We want you to come back into a proper fight, especially in the position he’s in. He’s highly ranked with the WBA not far off challenging for a World Title. As a team everyone believes that’s where he deserves to be and where he should be. I don’t think he’s far off that. He’s got to come through Saturday night. This is the kind of fight he needs after the period of time he’s had out. It would be worthless going back into an eight-round warm up fight. He needs this kind of fight. He’s been in the gym as he said throughout. Obviously the delay was unfortunate but it’s good to get it back on so quickly.”

Shabaz Masoud:

“I believe everything happens for a reason. When God takes one thing he always gives something better. Now I’m topping the bill in Newcastle. I love fighting in Newcastle, I’ve fought here before so it’s time to go. I’ve got itchy knuckles but I’ve been in the gym for a year since my last fight. Anyone who knows me knows that I’m a true professional. I’m in the gym all the time. I feel like I’ve made a lot of improvements in the year since my last fight. It’s time to show them. I’m my own worst critic. I could have a top performance and still find something wrong with it. My team is like that as well. I’m just looking for perfection all of the time. I’m my own worst critic. Honestly I think he’s a good fighter, I feel like he’s a level above the fighters I’ve fought before but I think i can do a job on him. It’s time to go. I’m not Gary Cully. He’s a good fighter and I like him, but I’m Maverick Masoud. I just feel like I’m levels above. I’m just going to show everyone – especially Sanmartin. I feel like I’m better than him in every aspect.”

Jose Sanmartin:

“First and foremost I want to thank you once again for this opportunity. My plan is that I’m completely ready and I hope that Masoud is completely ready and recovered from his illness. We have a plan for this fight and I am completely ready to go.

“That won’t affect me in the slightest. I’m a very experienced guy and a very experienced fighter. All of the pressure will be on him on Saturday. I’m completely ready to take this victory and take this belt back to Colombia.

“We’ll wait and see what happens and how the fight develops, if the win can be via knockout then even better. We’re ready to give everything, we’re ready to get the decision if needs be and we’re going to win on Saturday, that’s the plan and I’m taking that title home. I’m sorry Masoud, you’re going to be losing on Saturday.”