In a battle of former world title-challengers, Evans “The African Warrior” Ashira, 29-3 (15), knocked out former European champion Mamadou Thiam, 42-7 (39), in round six of a scheduled twelve on Saturday night, April 19, in Frederiksund, Denmark.

Ashira, a promotional free agent who once went twelve hard rounds with Joe Calzaghe at super middleweight, is now back at his natural weight of 154 lb, and is looking to get back in line for a shot at one of the four major world titles later this year.

The fight started on even terms with both fighters having their share of success, and with the Danish-based Kenyan experiencing some difficulties in establishing his rhythm, but as the rounds progressed, Ashira started taking over and applied more and more pressure on Thiam. From round four it was apparent that the Frenchman was getting less and less dangerous, and it looked like a matter of time before Ashira would be able to mount his final attack.

The end came at 1:05 of the sixth, when Ashira pinned Thiam against the ropes and connected with hard body-shots before going to the head and landing two crushing left hooks which send Thiam down for the full count.

It was an impressive finish which showed that there is still a lot left in the Copenhagen-resident.

Ashira went through knee surgery after winning the IBA title last September, and this was his first fight back. He now hopes that one of the big names in the light middleweight division will be next: “I couldn’t get my rhythm going in the first few rounds, but I am satisfied with my overall performance. There are always questions when you come back after a hard injury, but I think that I didn’t take an easy first fight back, and I feel like I will be ready to take on anybody in the world next time out”, said Ashira.

“I am a promotional free agent, so there are nobody holding me down. If any of the world champions or top-contenders out there are looking for an opponent who is easy to deal with, then their people should call my manager Jan Andersen. I’m ready to roll with anybody!”

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Boxing News Tags: Denmark Boxing, Evans Ashira, Mamadou Thiam, Risum Boxing