SHAKHRAM Giyasov has always dreamed of becoming a world champion, but his pursuit now holds deeper meaning.
Last month, the Uzbek welterweight endured an unimaginable loss when his young daughter tragically passed away. Yet, determined to honour her memory, the 31-year-old returned to the ring last night in Atlantic City, securing his 17th win by knocking out Franco Ocampo in four rounds. After a nine-month hiatus, Giyasov’s performance was remarkable given the circumstances.
Currently the WBA’s number-one contender, Giyasov stepped aside to allow the main event—a 147 lbs IBF/WBA unification bout between Jaron Ennis and Eimantas Stanionis—to take place. Speaking to Boxing News after his victory, he expressed his unwavering commitment to a promise made to his late daughter.
“I’m feeling good, I’m feeling great because I win. This camp for me very long time. I lost my daughter. I don’t know how I’m here, how I win, how I made it up here winning, going through what I went through. Until now I don’t realise what’s happening. I’m a man of my word, I promised my daughter I’m going to become a world champion and I’m doing everything I can to fulfil my promise. I have to stay a man of my word.”
Grief challenges the human spirit like little else, and Giyasov opened up about the emotional toll of preparing for his latest fight. “It’s very hard, it’s very difficult for me. First of all, I cry, I’m depressed but I remember my promise for my daughter. I promise her I be world champion. It’s hard to explain. I don’t know how to put it into words together.”
Still grappling with his loss, Giyasov shared a heart-wrenching sense of disbelief. “I feel like she’s at home, she’s waiting for me. I just have to buy some gifts and bring them home. Until now I do not realise what really happened. I just wanna get back home and I’m feeling like I’m gonna see her back home as always after my camps and fights. She is always with me, my heart. She’s always with me.”
For Giyasov, the outcome of the main event or the identity of his next opponent is irrelevant. His focus remains singular: to fight for a world title and keep his word. “For me it doesn’t matter who the opponent. It doesn’t matter who win. First of all, I need title fight. It doesn’t matter who is opponent. No name, no opponent only belt.”
