Aussie Mai Soliman say this weekend’s world title fight beneath Egypt’s pyramids will outshine fighting at the iconic Madison Square Garden or even the UFC’s planned White House blockbuster.
The Sydneysider will challenge Japanese superstar Mizuki Hiruta for the WBO and Ring Magazine super-flyweight titles on Sunday morning (AEDT) as part of a massive card headlined by Oleksandr Usyk and Rico Verhoeven.
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For an Aussie fighter who made her pro debut at Revesby Workers’ Club just four years ago in front of a few hundred fans, the scale of the occasion is almost impossible to comprehend.
The event beneath the Pyramids of Giza is expected to draw millions of viewers worldwide, with plenty of celebrities and sporting stars also set to attend.
“A lot of high-profile athletes and celebrities will be flying in,” Soliman told Fox Sports Australia this week from Cairo.
“Jason Statham will be here. Canelo Alvarez. I wouldn’t be surprised if Cristiano Ronaldo flies in too.
“It’s going to be huge.”
The 28-year-old was born in Egypt before moving to Australia as a child, and says returning to fight on such a massive stage has felt surreal.
“You ask fighters where their dream place to fight is and they’ll probably say Madison Square Garden,” she said.
“But for me, this is bigger than Madison Square Garden.
“Obviously you’ve got the UFC talking about fighting at the White House later this year, and with all due respect, this is way bigger than the White House card.
“I’m not taking anything away from the UFC or the White House card, but it doesn’t compare. It doesn’t compare at all.”
Soliman has now been in Egypt for several days and says she already feels completely at ease.
“It’s like a second home to me,” she explained.
“I almost feel like I’m back home fighting in Australia.”
The Australian has even already had an awkward run-in with her opponent, Hiruta, with most fighters staying at the same hotel in Cairo during fight week.
“I didn’t see her for the first two days,” Soliman explained.
“Then yesterday I was waving a van down to jump in. I thought no one was in it, and then realised she was pulling up to the hotel.
“I didn’t even realise until someone pointed out it was her team. By the time they realised it was me, I was already in the car.
“We’ll definitely be seeing more of each other during fight week.”
Despite the looming world title showdown, Soliman insisted there is no bad blood between the pair — only the natural tension that comes with two fighters chasing the same prize.
“I think all the pressure is on her,” Soliman said.
“Obviously she wants to keep those belts and I want to take them from her.
“But outside of that, there’s nothing between us except respect.
“But I didn’t fly all this way to walk away empty handed. I’m here to dominate and get the WBO and Ring Magazine titles.”
While Soliman has already bumped into several fighters around Cairo, she is still waiting for a sighting of heavyweight superstar Usyk.
“I haven’t seen him yet,” she said.
“I think he’s staying at a different hotel, but not too far away.
“It’ll be cool to see him in person. He seems very interesting.”
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Soliman told Fox Sports Australia last month she once dreamed of fighting in front of the pyramids, and admitted arriving in Egypt this week has felt strangely familiar.
“I haven’t had any more dreams, but this does feel like deja vu,” she said.
“I feel like I’ve been here before and had this fight already…
“But I definitely see my hand being raised this weekend.
“There’s no doubt about that.
“I’ve manifested this from start to finish – this whole moment.
“And by Sunday morning, Australia time, it’ll be: ‘And the new’.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity. This is huge – not just as an Egyptian, but as an Australian boxer.
“I’m proud to represent Australia on such a global stage.”