Former German heavyweight champ Albon Pervizaj announces comeback

Heavyweight Albon Pervizaj talks about his new goals and love for boxing

After a break of over two years, heavyweight Albon Pervizaj (18-1, 13KO) returns back to the ring.

In an exclusive interview with BOXEN1, the 29-year-old talent discussed his motivations, development away from the sport and plans for the future.

"I love boxing. I've built my whole life on the basis of boxing. Everything I do today besides boxing is linked to my person as an athlete," Pervizaj explains, emphasising his deep connection to the sport that has accompanied him since childhood.

The Hamburg native has not been in the ring since July 2022 - a very long time for a professional boxer. During the break, Pervizaj purposely decided to withdraw from the ring. "I deliberately withdrew in order to make myself economically independent and to be able to take my career into my own hands. I was tired of people's empty promises."

This bold move allowed him to take control of his professional future and break away from external influences.

The break also changed his mental attitude to boxing. "I know what I can do and what I'm capable of. I finally have a starting situation in which I feel comfortable and build on it. I'm not boxing right now to finance myself or to secure my life. I really only box out of conviction and love for the sport. It's very good for me mentally."

For his comeback, Pervizaj has also broken new ground in training. "I moved to Düsseldorf and train here with coach Anil, who has been coaching Younes Zarraa for two years, among others. I already know Younes from my amateur days, and I've seen a very positive development in him. During my break, I was in contact with Younes, and that's how the connection came about. So far, I'm very happy with my decision. Coach Anil works very individually and responds to the athletes."

Despite the long break, Pervizaj remained in good shape. "I still kept myself quite fit. My weight didn't shoot up like many other athletes do. So we continue at full throttle."

Pervizaj has sparred with former two-time world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua and is feeling ambitious about the future. "First of all, I want to make my comeback successfully and be seen regularly in the ring again. I plan to box my way up the rankings with structure and determination. There's a lot going on in boxing at the moment, especially in the Arab world. I think I can and will gain a good foothold there."

Reflecting on his career so far also plays an important role for Pervizaj. "I have a defeat in which I made a big mistake - I didn't cure pneumonia long enough and then couldn't perform at my usual level in the ring. I have to put that right for myself personally. The rest will follow."

Pervizaj considers the current situation in the international heavyweight division to be promising. "Internationally, it's very exciting at the moment. There is a lot of movement in the heavyweight division. I recognize a trend that I like: The mentality that boxers must not lose is slowly disappearing from people's minds. This results in better and better fights at eye level."

The German heavyweight is looking forward to his comeback with great determination. "I know it, I enjoyed it, and I will strive for it again with all my resources. I'm sure it will work out even better this time than ever before. However, I don't define myself by it. I've always been 'someone' – be it in the schoolyard as a child, on the football pitch or elsewhere. I've always received people's respect, no matter what age group."

The last few years have also allowed Albon Pervizaj to mature privately. "A lot has happened privately. I think I've become an even more complete person. That will help me on my sporting path."

With a clear focus on the future and a love for the sport, Albon Pervizaj is ready to prove himself again in the heavyweight division and find his place on the international scene. Did he receive offers from promotions? "Some," he said in conversation with us. Soon it will be announced where he has ended up and when he will get back into the ring.