Gonzales vows to disappoint home fans in the Rising Stars Arabia main event

The Mexican is confident of ending Dubai-based Jordanian Bader Samreen’s winning streak

Bader Samreen, from Jordan, left, and Jose Paez Gonzales, from Mexico, face off at Friday's press conference. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

Sultan Al Nuaimi, fighter from UAE, at the inaugural Rising Stars Arabia press conference in Abu Dhabi. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

Ahmed Seddiqi, founder and promoter of AAM Seddiqi Sports, speaks at the Rising Stars Arabia event in Abu Dhabi. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

Sheldon Schultz, fighter from South Africa, is interviewed by English broadcaster Gareth A Davies in Abu Dhabi. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

Mohammed Bekdash and Musa Ntege, right, square off ahead of their fight on Saturday night. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

Bader Samreen, left, is interviewed at the Rising Stars Arabia event in Abu Dhabi. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

Sultan Al Nuaimi, left, faces down opponent Jemsi Kibazange from Tanzania. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

Mohammed Bekdash, from Syria at the Rising Stars Arabia event in Abu Dhabi. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

Group shot of the fighters who will take part in the Rising Stars Arabia event in Abu Dhabi. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

Jose Paez Gonzales is confident of upsetting the home crowd when he meets the Dubai-based Jordanian Bader Samreen in the main event of the inaugural Rising Stars Arabia show at the Mubadala Arena in Abu Dhabi on Saturday night.

The Mexican, 27, with a record of 16 wins, 2 losses and 2 draws, is fighting outside his home country for the first time and insists he will end Samreen’s undefeated 8-0 record as a professional.

“This is my first time outside Mexico, and I want to leave a lasting memory of my style and fight in the region,” he told The National during the launch of the new series on Friday.

“I meet an opponent yet to be defeated in eight appearances and that’s going to change after Saturday. I have travelled here with one intention, and that’s to return home as a winner.”

Samreen, 23, has won seven of his eight fights by knockout and is himself certain of stretching his run when the two lightweights headline the eight-fight card.

“Indeed, this is the toughest test so far but I’m well prepared and ready to have a go at Jose,” the Jordanian said.

“I have high respect for my opponent. He is experienced but I possess the speed, stamina, technique and the punches to come out victorious in front of my fans in Abu Dhabi.”

Sultan Al Nuaimi (9-0-0) is the UAE’s sole flag bearer on the night and he meets Tanzanian Jemsi Kibazange (18-6-3) at super flyweight in the co-main event.

“This chap has been in the pro circuit for a while and has a lot of experience, but that doesn’t matter to me, as my goals are crystal clear, and that’s to keep my record intact,” the Dubai Policeman said.

Kibazange was straightforward: “The experience doesn’t count in this game. Sultan’s record is impressive and I’m aware of that. It’s not going to be easy for me and it’s not going to be easy for him either.

“For me, it’s business as usual. I want my contest to be an exciting one for the fans. I have lots of fans following me from back home and I want to keep them happy with a victory.”