Hamza Uddin impressed on his professional debut (credit: Mark Robinson / Matchroom Boxing).
The professional debut of a boxer is always a special event. Whatever the background of the individual, whether it’s a solid amateur pedigree, an emergence from a white-collar background, or a jump directly into the professional world, a debut is always something to be proud of and a moment to remember.
For those select few who are tipped for future stardom though, debuts can often be a disappointment, a feeling of going through the motions, and with one eye on the bigger nights ahead. That is not to say that it isn’t a special moment for the boxer, but, naturally, nerves are heightened, and despite knowing you are in against an inferior opponent, it is often a case of just getting through the rounds unscathed, and ensuring that when the referee’s score is announced, your record reads 1-0.
Now and again though, a debutant makes a huge impression, a sign that something special is going to unfold in the years ahead, and immediately draws praise from across the various social media channels, something which in itself is a rare commodity these days. Last Saturday, on the banks of the Mersey, Hamza Uddin created that buzz, as he dispatched Santiago San Eusebio inside of three rounds, and did so in style.
After the fight I likened Uddin to having the in-ring intelligence of Sunny Edwards, and the charisma of Ben Whittaker; both are a compliment. Backed by a strong contingent of travelling support, Uddin oozed confidence from the moment his ring walk music kicked in until he landed the left hand which forced the stoppage. Post-fight Eddie Hearn agreed that this time Sam Jones had found “a future star,” whilst Uddin couldn’t hide his excitement at what had just unfolded, and immediately looked to his next scheduled fight, a homecoming show in Birmingham on June 22.
In an interview with Matchroom Boxing, Uddin claimed that his growing legion of fans haven’t seen anything yet.
“I’m critical of myself and my performance was not to my best standard but I’m straight back in the ring in Birmingham on the 22nd of June and I’m ready to show the best Hamza Uddin.”
If that was just a taste of what is yet to come, then put me down for a ticket to all of his future fights, as Uddin is a boxer that after just one professional appearance, I look forward to watching over and over again, and someone who has all the ingredients to become a future world champion.