Ermal Hadribeaj is on the precipice of something big in the junior middleweight division.

It's been a long journey for the man from Tirana, Albania, who now lives in Miami, Florida.

The 32-year-old southpaw built his early career up in America before more recently fighting across Europe, in-front of Albanian fans at home as well as Germany, Uzbekistan and Croatia along the way.

Over 1,000 fans attended his fight with Placido Ramirez at the Olympic Park, Tirana, on November 23 and helped spur him to victory over his Colombian opponent with a shutout 10-round unanimous decision.

"The Ramirez fight was exactly what I needed at this stage — a tough, durable opponent who came to win and made me work every round," Hadribeaj (22-0-1, 8 KOs) told The Ring.

"I'm happy with the victory because I showed discipline, control, and the ability to stick to the gameplan. Of course as a competitor, I always want the perfect performance, but was satisfied overall. I boxed smart, made adjustments and demonstrated once again why I've been one of the most consistent fighters in the junior middleweight division."

The opportunity to fight at home was a pleasant change of pace having clocked up air miles.

"Coming home to fight in Albania is always emotional for me," he said. "The energy from my people is something you can't describe — it lifts and pushes you, while reminding who you're fighting for.

"Albania is where my journey started, and every time I step into the ring there, I feel a deep sense of pride and responsibility. After more than a year away, returning and hearing the crowd again was special. It felt like a homecoming, and it motivated me even more for what's coming next in my career."

At the WBC convention in Bangkok, Hadribeaj and France's latest Queensberry signing Bakary Samake (19-0, 11 KOs) were matched in a title eliminator.

Samake, rated No. 10 by The Ring at 154-pounds, ended his 2025 with a fifth-round knockout of 25-0 pro Alejandro Ortiz on October 25 and was promised another step-up.

Hadribeaj appreciates his fellow unbeaten opponent will represent a step up but it's one he welcomes.

"Bakary Samake is a talented, athletic fighter and he's earned his position in the rankings," he said. "But this is exactly the type of fight I've been asking for — a big challenge, a big stage, and an opportunity to prove I belong at the very top of the division.

"I respect him, but I have no doubt in myself. I've defended my WBC [regional] belt more times than anyone in this weight class, and I'm ready to show the world the best version of myself. Samake brings a good style, but I bring experience, pressure, and a stronger will. I'm fully prepared, and I can't wait for this fight."

Hadribeaj's promoter, Ahmet Oner, has had to play the long game but now feels his fighter is now ready to make waves in one of boxing’s strongest divisions.

"When I first got Ermal, I spoke to Donato DeMartiis - his coach and manager - we were not sure in the beginning where he'd go because his background is not boxing but he made it," Oner recalled. "We did nine WBC [regional] title fights and have a good bond. He is a good man; I am very proud to lead him through the rankings.

"His second fight in Albania, through our work we got the opportunity to now see Ermal at the top level. Now he has to show what he can do."