Ajose Olusegun vs Hank Lundy Preview

By Peter Wells (twitter- @boxingbrains):



Hank Lundy(left) & Ajose Olusegun(right) at yesterdays weigh in

Tonight at the Rockingham Park in New Hampshire, Hank Lundy attempts to snap his 2 fight losing streak when he takes on British-Nigerian Ajose Olusegun. The Philadelphian may have lost his way some what in recent fights but his resume offers enough to suggest that the 29 year old cannot be considered as an easy opponent for Ajose.

Lundy lost his last 2 fights to current Lightweight world title contender, Raymundo Beltran and the 21-fight unbeaten Viktor Postol.

In Lundy's 22-3-1(11KO) record, his only other defeat was at the hands of John Molina in a 11th round stoppage defeat, when Lundy was clearly ahead on the scorecards after 10 rounds.

The biggest win of his career came in 2010 when he defeated current WBA Lightweight titleholder, Richar Abril via split decision. Hank also recorded a 6th round stoppage victory over David Diaz in 2011 when he had already been down.

While for some Lundy has never entirely fulfilled his potential as a legitimate world title contender, Ajose Olusegun has done nothing but exceed what was expected of him.

Even when capturing the Commonwealth Light Welterweight title, Ajose was not considered to be heading onto the world stage. But finally heads began to turn when the former Nigerian Light Welterweight champion stopped well respected Colin Lynes in 8 rounds.

Then after earning the position as mandatory challenger for the WBC title, a spell of inactivity cost Ajose dearly. The WBC title changed hands like a game of pass-the-parcel, and no one seemed interested in taking less money to fight the unknown Ajose.

After a year out of the ring, last September Ajose was offered to fight Lucas Matthysse for the Interim WBC Light Welterweight title. Sadly for Ajose the Nigerian born fighter had been royally stitched up by the WBC - offered a shot at a meaningless title against arguably the best 140lbs fighter in the world, while the actual WBC Light Welterweight champion was preparing for a pointless rematch vs Erik Morales.

Matthysse handed Ajose his first defeat of his now 32 fight career in 10 one-sided rounds. Although Ajose was competitive he lacked the power or defensive noose to trouble Matthysse.

In that particular fight in Las Vegas, Ajose showed a good variety of punches and an accuracy that would have troubled many other 140lbs fighters. Lundy will not have the same power that Lucas had, meaning Ajose will be able to outwork his opponent without losing rounds to a fighter landing fewer but more eye-catching shots.

Expect Lundy and Ajose to circle one another in the centre of the ring early in the bout, with both looking to outbox the other. Ajose can build an early lead with his faster hands meaning his ability to punch off the back foot will leave Lundy in a sticky situation in the 2nd half of the fight when he is required to press the action. This is where Ajose can extend his lead down the stretch to take a clear and unanimous points victory. If Ajose can find the right punch, don't be surprised to see Lundy hit the canvas - he has already touched down 5 times in his career.

The 33-year old Ajose will then be looking to finally force a "real" world title shot, and not many fans would begrudge the likeable Olusegun that.

Don't forget to take a look at the in depth stats for this fight. All stats are courtesy of  http://boxstat.co/ Follow them on twitter @box_stat:

ajose olusegun vs henry lundy