Deniz prepares for Co-op Live return

Droylsden boxer Billy Deniz makes the long-awaited return to the ring this weekend, as he looks to extend his unblemished pro record to 15 wins.  

The 'Turkish Tyson’ will once again walk out at the Co-op Live arena, just under five months on from his convincing points win over Ezra Arenyeka in November. 

‘The Magnificent 7’ event sees the 25-year-old face off against the experienced Grant Dennis, on the undercard of Moses Itauma vs Jermaine Franklin, which will be broadcast live on DAZN. 

Deniz’ opponent has 38 pro fights under his belt, winning 19 and losing the same amount. 

Saturday will mark Deniz’ second visit to the iconic Manchester venue, which already has a place in his heart: 

“I’ve fought in stadiums and packed-out places before, but that was just surreal,” the Droylsden fighter told the Reporter. 

“All the lights, the cameras – I still get goosebumps thinking about it now, I don’t think anything will ever top that. 

“I grew up 10 minutes down the road, so it feels like my home.” 

This bout sees the unbeaten Deniz enter unknown territory, as he steps into a different weight category this time around. 

Despite usually fighting at light heavyweight, the 25-year-old will now chance his arm in the super middleweight category. 

“I’ve fought light heavy for the past few years, but ever since I joined Joe [Gallagher], he’s said he thinks I’m a super middle fighter,” revealed Deniz ahead of the clash. 

“I was against it at first, I thought I’d feel weak, and I always told myself I’d never put myself through these mad cuts you see people do. 

“But it’s been wicked, I feel good, I feel strong and I feel fit, so hopefully on the night that will all show. 

“I thought it was going to be an eight rounder again, but I only got told few weeks ago it was going to be six, so we’ve done the work for eight, which has given me even more confidence. 

“But he’s got more experience than me, he’s had more wins than I’ve had fights, so I can’t afford to step one foot out of line.” 

Though the “Turkish Tyson” has his sights set on a future title fight, he admits his immediate focus is to dust off the cobwebs: 

“I just want to be active, everyone's saying title this title that, but I’m not bothered. 

“I’ve been so inactive, I’ve been having maybe one two fights a year, whereas before that I was having three or four. 

“Let’s see, if I feel good at super middle I’ll stay there, then I can start chasing the rankings and looking at titles.”