Susie Ramadan: Vows for strong year after disappointing 2011

After a disappointing 2011 for Susie ‘Q’ Ramadan where she split with long time trainers the Brizzi brothers then was stripped of her IBF world title for not defending it and was unable to regain it after a controversial split decision loss in Mexico, she is back stronger then ever on the verge of another world title shot, this time the WBC Women’s Bantamweight title.

She spoke to Aus-Boxing.com just days out from her world title eliminator against Aussie based, Alesia Graf which forms part of the televised Fox Sports ‘Big Time Boxing’ Friday Night Fights card from the Melbourne Pavilion.

Tickets for the fights which is headlined by a fight for the Australian Middleweight title between Tito Mwetupunga and Jarrod Fletcher are still available by calling Barry on 0413 654 999.

Aus-Boxing: Since your last fight in Mexico you have brought in a new trainer and management team, what was the reason behind this after just joining with a new trainer in 2011?

I don’t really want to get into that too much, but being a female boxer/athlete its hard work, im still learning the ropes & I just felt I had to choose what would be the best outcome to further my career. In boxing I believe having a great team & promotion is important.

Aus-Boxing: We all know what happened in your last fight against Rivas, did you appeal the decision? Was there any talks of a rematch?

Susie Ramadan: I’m not sure exactly as I reeled on my previous team to work on that side of things & im not sure if they appealed, however I spoke to rivas team the day after the fight & they were keen on a rematch. When I got together with my new team we tried to organise a rematch but it was too late & her team ignored us just as they did in feb 2011 when the Brizzi brothers requested a fight with her.

Aus-Boxing: On Friday night you face Australian based and former world champion, Alesia Graf what can you expect from her and what’s your thoughts on the matchup?

Susie Ramadan: I think it’s a great match up especially for the Australian public. I believe Alesia & her team have wanted to fight me for some time now & am more than thankful that I have a great team Barry Michael, Steven Stenborg & Brian Amatruda who have done a wonderful job in getting this fight to happen. My main focus is what I bring to the ring on the 24th Feb for the Australian public.

Aus-Boxing: Your upcoming fight is a world title eliminator for the WBC Bantamweight title how important is it for you too return to the top?

Susie Ramadan: Every fight is important to me as every fight has to be important to reach the top and when you reach the top every fight is still important in order to remain on top. This being a WBC eliminator bout will give me the opportunity to fight for the WBC title which is the most prestigious belt. We have only had 1 female Australian to have ever won the WBC world title and that was Sharon anyos, therefore we need more Australians to have these opportunities to show the world the talent that comes from down under.

Aus-Boxing: Not looking past Alesia Graf but would you hope to fight the Thai, Usanakorn Kokietgym in Australia for the world title?

Susie Ramadan: I would like to fight the Thai in Australia for the public & my supporters but if you asked me would I like to fight her in Vegas I would say hell yeah and im sure my supporters will be happy for me to have this wonderful experience.

Aus-Boxing: Since training with Steve Stenborg has much changed with your style? What can we expect from Susie Q come Friday night?

Susie Ramadan: Susie ‘Q’ is known to be a classy boxer and we all like it to continue that way, there have been things Steve, Barry and I have been working on and hope that I can execute it on the night.

Aus-Boxing: After winning the WBC title would you be interested in stepping up in weight to fight the WIBA Super Featherweight champion, Di Prazak who is now the #1 ranked Australian female?

Susie Ramadan: It’s hard for me to step up in weight as my weight does not move much even off training, I think Barry has plans for me as to after winning the WBC title to go down a weight division 1st then try move up but my job right now is to focus on winning the fight on Friday night.

Aus-Boxing: What are your plans for 2012?

Susie Ramadan: My plans for 2012 is to grow with my new team & achieve our goals. To continue being an inspiration to all the females out there & hope that I can open more doors for them.