Sheffield boxer chasing Naz Hamed greatness
Top Boy gym in Sheffield think they have found a new Sheffield star
If boxers are going to successfully attract major fights, top promoters and hefty pay packets, they need more than just boxing skills.
They need an image or a message that the fans can get behind.
Finding a charismatic boxer with a genuine chance of hitting the big time is akin to finding a gold nugget in the River Don.
But at the Top Boy gym in Sheffield, they think they have found one.
And anyone who has witnessed super lightweight Elias Sinani's first two professional fights will be tempted to agree.
As with most boxers, his first fights were against journeymen. He was expected to win but did so via knockouts and with sone considerable flair.
He was flash, clever, resourceful and had power in his gloves.
And his ring entrances are pretty awesome too.
Dressed in Michael Jackson attire, he dances to his favourite artist to the ring, before performing a Naseem Hamed-style front flip over the ropes..
We have seen plenty of boxers try and emulate the showmanship of early-years Naz.
Sinani is the closest I have seen to pulling it off.
Like Naz, he is a British-Yemeni. And, although he is starting a pro career at a relatively late age of 26, he says he is intending to follow Hamed up the ladder to eventual greatness.
"I don't really copy him although we do have a similar style, being a switch hitter with fast footwork" Sinani, a former Parkwood Academy student told The Star.
"The Prince is an inspiration. He is a legend. He got me into boxing. He is a British Yemeni as I am. But I want to be my own person.
"I didn't want to do the front flip to begin with but my coach talked me into it.
"It goes down well, but I do it every day in the gym - the people there aren't bothered at all!"
He said he had spoken to Hamed about his dreams. "He was very supportive. He is all about the showbiz and liked my nickname (Eagle,) even saying I could go and win a world title.
"He was a showman but he is also a humble person, as well. He wants me to do even better things than he did! If I did half of what he did, I'd be happy."
Sinani's boxing journey started at Hamed's old Ingle gym, near his home in Wincobank.
He also followed in the footsteps of Hamed, Kell Brook, Amer Khan, Kid Galahad, by becoming a national champion in the amateurs.
The fighter went on to train at Steel City and then Riley's gym before moving to the relatively new Top Boy, under Shaz Yunis.
To support himself, he works in special education Willow Park School in Norfolk Park Road.
Training and working is hard - but he enjoys his time at the gym, and has certainly embraced the need for an identity that will attract the ticket-buying public.
"I am a fan of Michael Jackson and have used 'Beat It' and 'Thriller' songs for ring walks.
"I have a Jackson style jacket; I am having fun" said the boxer who had trials with Sheffield United, at the age of 12.
"The pro game is suited to my style. I want to continue performing, getting the knockouts, and entertaining people, that is living my dream. The end goal is to be world champion."
Sinani, who arrived in Sheffield from the Arabian Peninsula aged four, knows he has a long road ahead of him.
But he says: "You can't rush greatness. I am still young and powerful. Lot of people turn professional later on him life." he said, citing Ben Whittaker (25) and Arturo Beterbiev (28.)
Trainer Shaz is confident his man can go places. He described him as "fantastic" as a person and a boxer.
"His last opponent said he had never been hit so hard, praising his 'freaking power.'"
Shaz would love to see Sinani follow Hamed's route, supported by a next generation of fight fans.
"It is a different crowd than in Naz's day, there are more eyes on you now. Only old school boxing fans saw Naz, it's a different audience these days.
"Naz was very special; I started boxing after seeing him on the TV. He was so entertaining."
Now the coach is hoping lightning will strike twice in the same city.