Tomorrow night (Friday 25 March) a Light Welterweight Champion-in-the-making is scheduled to take to the ring.
It's likely many of you will not have heard of - nor care - about Ajose Olusegun, a Nigerian-born British-based boxer with a perfect 29-0 record.
That's probably why he's having to travel to Algeria to take on a man named Ali Chebah (35-1), who is similarly under the radar as far as widescale recognition goes.
The fight is supposed to be a "final eliminator" for the WBC belt although goodness knows whether that will actually turn out to be the case. As in previous cases, a big name fighter coming out of retirement or jumping up in weight, will normally jump the queue.
Still, if the fight goes ahead - there's been little coverage nor publicity in advance - it's an opportunity for Olusegun to take a step forward to forcing a challenge and world honours.
Olusegun has previously won the British and Commonwealth titles and has some solid names on his record - Colin Lynes, Nigel Wright and Ali Nuumbembe. However, he's not really been given the chance to fight at a higher level - probably because he's dangerous, good and doesn't bring much money to the table.
His opponent appears something of an unknown quantity. His 28 knockouts look impressive on paper (Ajose has 14) but his one defeat was a knockout away in Mexico. His opponents on his resume don't look awe-inspiring with many having debuts against him or losing records.
Although apparently based in Canada but from France Chebah's last four bouts have been in Algeria. He's definitely the home fighter which could be a concern if the fight goes the distance.
However, I think Olusegun - if he's prepared right and has the right focus come fight night - will have way too much for Chebah, who hasn't mixed in the same company. It might take him a few rounds to get into the groove in different surroundings but I predict a knockout within seven rounds for the enigmatic Olusegun.
Sadly a win - or defeat - will not have fighters clamouring to take on a member of the "Who Needs 'Em" club.
* Postcript: Well, more disappointment for Olusegun who will have to wait out in the cold for longer.
The fight was called off at the last moment due to security issues in Algeria, with July likely to be the month the rescheduled fight will take place.
What does Olusegun do in the meantime?
Hopefully he maintains faith and confidence he will eventually get to mix it at world level. Many talented boxers have seen their careers stagnate due to the politics of the sport.
It's likely many of you will not have heard of - nor care - about Ajose Olusegun, a Nigerian-born British-based boxer with a perfect 29-0 record.
That's probably why he's having to travel to Algeria to take on a man named Ali Chebah (35-1), who is similarly under the radar as far as widescale recognition goes.
The fight is supposed to be a "final eliminator" for the WBC belt although goodness knows whether that will actually turn out to be the case. As in previous cases, a big name fighter coming out of retirement or jumping up in weight, will normally jump the queue.
Still, if the fight goes ahead - there's been little coverage nor publicity in advance - it's an opportunity for Olusegun to take a step forward to forcing a challenge and world honours.
Olusegun has previously won the British and Commonwealth titles and has some solid names on his record - Colin Lynes, Nigel Wright and Ali Nuumbembe. However, he's not really been given the chance to fight at a higher level - probably because he's dangerous, good and doesn't bring much money to the table.
His opponent appears something of an unknown quantity. His 28 knockouts look impressive on paper (Ajose has 14) but his one defeat was a knockout away in Mexico. His opponents on his resume don't look awe-inspiring with many having debuts against him or losing records.
Although apparently based in Canada but from France Chebah's last four bouts have been in Algeria. He's definitely the home fighter which could be a concern if the fight goes the distance.
However, I think Olusegun - if he's prepared right and has the right focus come fight night - will have way too much for Chebah, who hasn't mixed in the same company. It might take him a few rounds to get into the groove in different surroundings but I predict a knockout within seven rounds for the enigmatic Olusegun.
Sadly a win - or defeat - will not have fighters clamouring to take on a member of the "Who Needs 'Em" club.
* Postcript: Well, more disappointment for Olusegun who will have to wait out in the cold for longer.
The fight was called off at the last moment due to security issues in Algeria, with July likely to be the month the rescheduled fight will take place.
What does Olusegun do in the meantime?
Hopefully he maintains faith and confidence he will eventually get to mix it at world level. Many talented boxers have seen their careers stagnate due to the politics of the sport.
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