The winner of next week's IBF Middleweight title fight between Sam Soliman and Jermain Taylor, will have no easy task keeping hold of their crown when they face mandatory challenger Hassan N'Dam N'Jikam.
The awkward, gangly Cameroonian living in France, dominated Curtis Stevens in a near shut-out victory last night in California on ESPN - BT Sport in the UK.
N'Dam boxed on the move throughout the 12 rounds, picking up a unanimous decision victory - 116-111 (twice) and 119-108 which reflected the fight far better.
Stevens had no answer for the movement of N'Dam, growing in frustration as he was unable to let his hands go, and cause any damage with his potent left hook. The only knockdown of the fight came in the 8th when a counter right from N'Dam left the American on the seat of his pants.
The 8th and 12th rounds provided some anxious moments for N'Dam - who was otherwise comfortable behind a snapping jab at long range. Stevens landed a hard left near the finish of the 8th while he chased hard in the final round, seeking a late stoppage.
With Sylvester Stallone in attendance, Stevens couldn't find a Hollywood ending.
N'Dam has certainly shown once again he belongs at world level, and would be fancied to take the IBF title off the winner of next Wednesday's clash.
Taylor, far from his prime, has many wondering what he has done to earn the title tilt, while Soliman's - the champion - record is littered by 11 defeats and is 40 years old.
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