Tyson Pedro knows his professional boxing debut is “high risk” – but the former UFC star wouldn’t have it any other way after a rollercoaster 12 months.
The 33-year-old was initially slated to make his debut against Kris Terzievski, but the bout fell through on two separate occasions.
The first time, Pedro succumbed to an elbow injury during training, while more recently Terzievski pulled out on the day of the fight over a pay dispute.
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However, after weighing in for a showdown with the undefeated Taimoor Khan on Stan’s Nowhere To Run event on Wednesday night, it will be all systems go for Pedro.
“This camp has actually been really relaxed,” he told Wide World of Sports.
Tyson Pedro and Taimoor Khan face off at the weigh-ins. Stan Sport
“After how much everything has gone wrong in the last year, everything has seemed to go pretty well this time – touch wood.
“You don’t realise that anything is a problem until you get through it, you’re just sort of in it and living it. I’ve really been trying to continue on that path and stay strong.
“It’s almost like I have been tested to see how badly I really want it. I think all of this has been testament to my attitude and wanting to get after it.
“It’s high risk, high reward for me and I wouldn’t want it to be anyone easy. It’s a tough fight for my first one, but I only wanted to fight someone from the top 15 in the world.”
Watch Tyson Pedro’s highly anticipated boxing debut at Nowhere to Run, ad-free live and on demand for all Stan Sport subscribers from 7pm AEDT on February 26, with the main event and highlights also available on delay on 9Go! from 9.30pm AEDT
Pedro enjoyed a great ride as a mixed martial artist, finishing with a 10-5 career record before opting to retire from the sport last year.
The clash with Pakistan’s Khan, who has 13 knockouts from 15 wins as a boxer, will also hold some sentimental value for Pedro as he steps into the ring at Penrith Leagues Club.
Tyson Pedro during his time in the UFC. Getty
“My dad used to host fights for ‘King of the Cage’ out in Penrith, so it’s kind of gone full circle now to be having my debut here,” he said.
“It’s really exciting to fight in front of my people, but it also was at that point where I didn’t even care where it was – I just want to fight.”
While the experience will be on Khan’s side inside the boxing ring, the western Sydney product is adamant he can get the job done early.
“He reckons round five, but I don’t even see it going that long – I want to get home early to my daughter,” Pedro said.
“I just have to trust my team, they have seen something that makes them believe I can beat him. We’ve watched him and we think his style will suit mine.”
