A breathtaking co-feature at heavyweight see a rarity as 2 undefeated punchers meet for the WBC Continental Americas and WBO’s NABO Championships when Texan based Nigerian, Efe Ajagba 15-0 (12 Ko’s) meets Miami based Cuban, Frank Sanchez 18-0 (13 Ko’s) over 12 rounds. The 6 foot 6 inch Ajagba is currently mimicking Deontay Wilder as chief sparring hand for Tyson Fury and has racked up a breathtaking tally of victories in his 48 months as a pro. Efe first caught headlines in 2018 as a 5-0 (5 Ko’s) prospect when journeyman Curtis Harper left the ring at the sound of the opening bell in Minneapolis in a protest over money. Ajagba would return with solid wins over tough Amir Mansour and the skilful Michael Wallisch in 2019 before taking on the dangerous Iago Kiladze. Efe would drop Kiladze in the 2nd round before having to climb off the floor himself in the 3rd, Ajagba showed immense courage and maturity by putting the hardened Kiladze on the floor again in the 5th and forcing Californians corner to retire their fighter. Efe last boxed 6 months ago when he stopped Brian Howard in 3 rounds in Tulsa hardly ideal preparation for such an important event but still live activity. Sanchez has moved steadily under the radar, in 2018 he racked up 10 straight wins in a 12 month period and a 2020 decision over Joey Dawejko being his only victory over a noted opponent. Despite this Frank is heavy handed and extremely versatile. Sanchez’ last outing in May saw the usually durable Nagy Aguilera quit in 6, earning him the WBC Continental Americas title. Expect Ajagba to look for an early night with wild explosive power punching, if Sanchez can weather the storm it could make for an entertaining shootout whilst it lasts.
An interesting rematch affair sees the rugged Brooklyn based pole Adam Kownacki 20-1 (15 Ko’s) attempting to avenge his only loss at the hands of former European King Robert Helenius back in March of 2020. The deceptive looking Kownacki rose through the division until 2019 by disposing of top draw opposition, Art Szpilka, Gerald Washington, Charles Martin and Chris Arreola over a 2 year run. The erratic Helenius turned pro in 2008 and blasted his way to a top 10 ranking by defeating Lamon Brewster, Samuel Peter, Atilla Levin and Sergei Liakhovick before being exposed in a nationally televised bout with Dereck Chisora back in 2011 where the Fin was lucky to escape with his undefeated record in tact. 5 fights later Helenius would be knocked out by Johann Duhaupas before losing a world title eliminator to Dillian Whyte in 2017, prospectively signifying the end, however Robert would return a year later a different fighter upsetting tough Erkan Teper only 20 months prior to derailing Kownacki. The fight is a natural with Kownacki having no choice but to overturn the knockout loss if he has any chance of being taken seriously in a lively division. Helenius at 37 and in the twilight of a long career has no pressure and a huge psychological edge, making it an interesting watch.
Undefeated Ohio puncher Jared Anderson 9-0 (9 Ko’s) takes on undefeated Las Vegas based Russian veteran Vladimir Tereshkin 20-0-1 (12 Ko’s.) 21 year old Anderson turned pro 2 years ago and has earned valuable experience as a Tyson Fury sparring partner whilst racking up spectacular knockouts on Top Rank shows. The colourful Anderson has an interesting dance partner on this occasion, Tereshkin turned pro 14 years ago and has smouldered slowly, remaining unbeaten whilst boxing on the road in Latvia, Germany, Ukraine, Russia, Finland, The U.S, and The Caribbean. The most noted name on the Russians resume is Alex Mazekin whom he decisioned 8 years ago. The only blemish being a draw with the well travelled Adnan Serin.
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