Elbiali 2.0: Heading for a World Title

By Matt Benoliel

5.24.19

Ahmed Elbiali already bounced back from his loss against Jean Pascal by knocking out two opponents. And although he is currently living and training in Las Vegas, he is still a fan favorite here in South Florida. Elbiali returns to the ring tomorrow night on FS1 to face Marlos Simoes of Brazil, on his way to what he hopes will be world title shot in 2020. Stylistically this looks like it will be an exciting fight. Elbiali told Premier Boxing Champions that under his new trainer, Justin Gamber, he has gained invaluable experience, learning to pace himself and set up combinations. This should be an interesting contrast to his former, take-no-prisoners, always move forward and swing for the fences approach that has earned him 15 KOs, but failed him against the more experienced Pascal, a man tough enough to take those punches when he had to, and crafty enough to avoid them when he could. Simoes (13-1-2, 5 KOs) is a different type of fighter, lean and lanky, with a 4″ reach advantage, who relies on his footwork, dancing around the ring and trying to pick his opponents apart. Although he does not have the same knock out power as a Elbiali, has has only been stopped once in his professional career. This will be his debut fight in the U.S.