by Luke Callahan
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The 34-year old Nottingham native would drop his IBO strap in a heartbeat if a WBC world title opportunity arose. "It's always been a dream of mine to box for the WBC title and being so close is very frustrating," said Khaliq. Frustrating indeed, as in the past months a rematch with WBC #11 Klose and a bout agreement with savvy veteran Ray Oliveria could not be reached. Khaliq spoke on the Oliveria fight saying, "I was told at the time he had another fight planned, but I would love to box him." For now, Khaliq, who still feels comfortable at welterweight, is training regularly, waiting for his shot and continuing to be a major force in his community! Read on for much more with "Too Sleek"!
JAWAID KHALIQ
TalkingBoxing.com: How are things going in and outside the ring?
Jawaid Khaliq: Every things cool. I'm just working part-time in the taxi business, and waiting for a fight date, but training regularly.
TalkingBoxing.com: Are you in training for any upcoming fights?
Jawaid Khaliq: I'm still waiting for confirmation.
TalkingBoxing.com: You haven't been fighting as often, is there anything behind that?
Jawaid Khaliq: The management have trying to get a big fight sorted out, a few came close, but didn't quite go through, so I'm still waiting for the big one.
TalkingBoxing.com: You showcased your boxing skills, comfortably decisioning Ener Julio in February...What can you tell us about that performance.
Jawaid Khaliq: I watched a tape of his previous fight, and knew he was a dangerous puncher, so I prepared to box him. In the fight, I felt a lot stronger then him. After I frustrated him, I started roughing him up and stood my ground and fought him alittle but I hurt my hand and settled for the points win. I felt it was a good performance against a very experienced fighter.
TalkingBoxing.com: You got off the canvas twice to finish off Jan Bergman a couple years back to prove you can win in adverse condtions and you give 100% when you step in the ring...What else do you feel you need to work on the become more of a complete fighter, if anything?
Jawaid Khaliq: I've been working on my defence. I can be a little easy to hit at times, mainly because I look to attack and finish my opponents off. Sometmes I try to be a little to precise with my punches, I could throw a few more punches, but whenever needed, I respond very well.
TalkingBoxing.com: There was discussion of you fighting top veteran Ray Oliveria a few months back, what happened that cancelled it and is that a fight you would still consider as Oliveria is looking for a top guy to fight as we speak?
Jawaid Khaliq: I was told at the time he had another fight planned, but I would love to box him as he would be a good name on my record.
TalkingBoxing.com: One of our top writers from England, Dave Crellin, speaks highly of you, what can you do to become more prominent both in England and in the US to other than big-time boxing fans?
Jawaid Khaliq: I think I should box more often, but getting the right fights is very difficult and boxing some more recognized names to get me more recognition in and out of the boxing world.
TalkingBoxing.com: Have you ever had thoughts of coming to the US for sparring or for a few fights? Is that something that you plan on doing?
Jawaid Khaliq: I would love to do that. It's always been a dream to come to America, the fight capital of the world and box, but training would be as good, but because of family commitments it would be something I could only do if I was boxing there.
TalkingBoxing.com: You have defended your IBO strap a bunch of times and with a current WBC #10 ranking, are you looking to move up the rankings of the big three? I know Cory Spinks has the IBF/WBA and WBC titles, but do you have a plan of action to move up one of the specific organizations for a title shot?
Jawaid Khaliq: Yes, definately. It's always been a dream of mine to box for the WBC title and being so close is very frustrating. If it was up to me, I'd box for another title tomorrow, but because of boxing polotics you don't always get what you want. I'm trying to box some big recognized names to make my dream possible.
TalkingBoxing.com: Speaking of top rated WBC fighters, #11 ranked Frederic Klose took a 8-round decision from you very early on in your 6th pro fight, are you looking for a re-match at any point?
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TalkingBoxing.com: Going back to Spinks, what are your thoughts on him and how much longer can he reign?
Jawaid Khaliq: He's a very good cagey southpaw boxer, which makes it more awkward. I have a lot of respect for him for fighting the best, that's what I would like to do. I think he'll probably move up to light middleweight to get bigger fights, but i don't thnk he'll be strong enough or hit hard enough to make a real impact.
TalkingBoxing.com: It seems many fighters feel they need to move up in weight often, is that something you feel like is in your future?
Jawaid Khaliq: I'm comfortable at welterweight, but if a big fight could happen at light middleweight, I would definately jump at the chance.
TalkingBoxing.com: Are there any fighters out there that you would like to fight sooner than later?
Jawaid Khaliq: Cory Spinks before he moves up, he's the undisputed champion, that would be the biggest fight, and he's the biggest name in my weight division and would give me the the recognition I crave.
TalkingBoxing.com: A final question...How do you feel you have influenced your fans in your community bringing awarness to boxing in a postive manner?
Jawaid Khaliq: I'm a very big role model in the community. I see a lot of youngsters coming into boxing form watching me and I do some boxng classes which attrcts a lot of kids and hope to do something a bit more serious when I hang up my gloves.
TalkingBoxing.com: Final thoughts and if you want to say something to your fans in England and to American fans who may not be familiar with you at this time...
Jawaid Khaliq: I would like to thank all my fans for their support and hope you contnue to support me in the future. Anyone who hasn't seen me, you don't know what your missing, so tune to watch the art of boxing. I've always risen to the level when ive needed to, so wait until I step in the ring against one of the other top 10 fighters to shake my division and make my presence in the boxing world known!
TalkingBoxing would like to say thanks to Jawaid Khaliq and his team for taking time out of their day to answer some questions. We hope Jawaid gets a big fight that he deserves in the coming months!
