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Ajose Olusegun is the embodiment of any professional boxer’s worst nightmare. The number 5 ranked WBC light welter is an aggressive southpaw with lighting reflexes who throws punches in bunches, forcing opponents to go defensive and cover up from the constant shelling rather than work their own game plan.
Olusegun, 25-0 (12), will appear as chief support to the Rendall Munroe vs. Kiko Martinez European super bantamweight title rematch at the Metrodome in Barnsley, England on Friday, February 27 when he defends the Commonwealth light welter title against English Champion Scott Haywood, 19-2 (4).
The undefeated 29 year old represented his native Nigeria in the 2000 Olympics before coming up short in the second round to eventual light welter Silver Medallist Ricardo Williams of America, the last time that Olusegun would taste defeat.
Relocating to England in 2001, Olusegun wiped out his early opposition, caging the WBF belt at 140 in 2002 before returning briefly to his homeland to capture the Nigerian title as well. By 2004, Olusegun had added the African Boxing Union crown to his growing trophy cabinet.
One fight later, “The Nigerian Nailer” would make a big splash in the UK by going up to welter and crushing current Commonwealth light middle champion Bradley Pryce in four brutal rounds.
Olusegun continued his reign of upsets at 147 pounds by knocking out highly regarded future Commonwealth welterweight champion Ali Nuumbembe in six frames in 2006.
In 2007, the southpaw returned to his natural weight and widely outpointed iron-chinned Gary Reid over twelve rounds to pick up the vacant Commonwealth light welter title and successfully defended the belt a year ago in a thriller with former English titlist Nigel Wright.
Since that time Olusegun has been trying to capitalize on his top five WBC ranking by calling out current champion Timothy Bradley and the title’s former owner, Junior Witter. As neither man will take up the challenge, Olusegun kept sharp over the balance of 2008 with three victories over lower level opposition in six round bouts.
Later this month Olusegun will be tested again when he defends the Commonwealth crown against six foot tall challenger Scott Haywood, a very awkward and motivated fighter who has only lost once, by a single point, over the last four years.
It’s a difficult situation for Olusegun, who must not only win but look good in doing so against a very difficult, hard as nails opponent in Haywood, if he is to have a chance at facing Witter or challenging Bradley for the WBC title.
Frank Maloney Promotions presents Rendall Munroe vs. Kiko Martinez for the Super Bantamweight Championship of Europe with full supporting undercard at the Metrodome in Barnsley, England on Friday, February 27, 2009.
Tickets are priced at £75 and £35 and are available by logging onto www.frankmaloney.com or by calling the Box Office at 0871 226 1508.
Sky Sports will televise the action live on SS1 starting at 10PM.
