Siddique now has best of both worlds

Asian Image Simon Parker11th May, 2009

Nadeem Siddique believes his partnership with new trainer Oliver Harrison can finally unlock the door to the biggest prizes.

The popular Bradford fighter has switched bases to work alongside Harrison at his gym in Salford.

But he has not abandoned his Ingle roots all together and believes he now has "the best of both worlds".

Siddique said: "We've come to an agreement. Brendan (Ingle) gets me mentally prepared and Oliver does the physical work.

"I'd heard a lot about Oliver and met him on a couple of occasions and decided it would be good for me.

"Everything with him is based on fitness. Brendan is very relaxed and composed, very technical, but with Oliver it's all about getting you very fit and strong so you can do the 12 rounds solid."

Siddique has not fought since suffering the only loss in his 23-fight professional career, an epic brawl with Martin Gethin in Wigan ten months ago.

But his confidence remains unshaken and he is convinced that he can still break into the lightweight hierarchy.

"People doubt me and think that because I'm 31 now, I'm not going to get anywhere," said Siddique.

"But they don't know me. I'm not going to quit until I'm number one, whether that takes one year or the next five.

"I made up my mind when I turned pro that I wanted to go as far as I can and that hasn't changed. I think I'm capable of beating the best but not proved it yet.

"I'm always willing to learn and improve and now I'm going to get the best of both worlds."

Siddique has been training with Harrison for three weeks and feels he has noticed a big difference already.

He said: "I did think it was going to be difficult to get used to but by the end of the first week I knew I'd made the right decision. This is the place for me.

"I'm in the gym with (European light-middleweight champion) Jamie Moore and Martin Murray and there's a kid called Mark Thompson who's very sharp.

"I love the way they got me settled in straight away. There's a lot of one-to-one training with Oliver and you're working with a great bunch of lads in a lively atmosphere.

"This is only going to benefit me. I'm in position for the big fights and all I've go to do is be in the best physical shape.

"There's a realistic chance for me in the next six months. I'm certainly in line to face the winner of the John Murray and Jon Thaxton fight because we're all in the same camp."

Siddique will look to shed some ring rust when he returns to action on the Darren Barker undercard at Watford on May 23 with a six-rounder against Tom Glover.