HE'S BACK: AJOSE "THE GUN" OLUSEGUN

Ajose (left obviously) opted out of the tattoo Groupon.

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: AJOSE "THE GUN" OLUSEGUN

Lucas Matthysse vs Ajose Olusegun in September 2012 was an incredible fight. A toe to toe, back and forth, rock’em sock’em, slug fest. It was old school. Ajose, heavily ring-rusted at the time, traded for 10 rounds with the Argentinian “Machine” before he was justifiably stopped; but he did that thing that really sets the pulse racing– even when he was being clobbered he somehow found a way to reverse the tide by firing back in the middle of a Matthysse flurry with blistering combinations of his own. If you haven’t seen, it go and watch – come back and we’ll pick it up from here. I’ll wait. 


If you have seen it, you’re probably aware that Matthysse has frankly crapped on his last two opponents making Ajose’s performance even more impressive in hindsight. Mike Dallas Jr and Lamont Peterson could only last a combined 4 rounds with Matthysse. Much to the chagrin of his new hard-earned fans, Ajose (31-1-14 KO’s) hasn’t fought since September. As a former British and Commonwealth light-welterweight champion with an awesome highlight reel and an extremely fan-friendly style, he's been conspicuous in his absence from the ring.  He was supposed to fight Mercito Gesta but the Philippino withdrew with an injury so Lou DibBella fixed the Nigerian a fight with Hank Lundy that goes down on July 19th. Thank heavens for that. 


I reached out to Ajose who completed a 20-question email interview on his iphone! I knew this dude was a legend. 

Me: You were born in Nigeria. Tell us a little about your upbringing, your family and why you moved to the UK.

"I have a colorful belt, do you?"

Ajose: Yes, I was born, bred, raised, and schooled in Nigeria.  My upbringing was tough; my dad was just a boxing coach so we had no money. A lot of the time we only ate one meal a day. I would go school, then to training and come home hungry with no sign of where the next meal was coming from. But I developed the habit of training first then worrying about what I'd eat later. That was what kept me going. I didn't live in a slum; I just lived in a poor neighbourhood. 

I moved to the UK simply to become a pro after I lost at the Olympics. Nigerian boxing officials, and my dad wanted me to stay amateur but I knew it would be a waste of time. I waited for 4 years then got robed in the Olympics. So, the UK was just a natural first choice for a Nigerian.

Me:  What attracted you to boxing? How old were you? Why did you start?

Ajose: I was 6 years old and talked into a boxing match against a girl boxer. I thought I was going to win of course but I soon found out the girl was a million times better than

 I was and she knocked me down 3 times in the first round. 

2 weeks later I started boxing,

Me: You were a gentleman for not exercising the rematch clause once you went pro. You competed in the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Describe that experience and how it affected your decision to go pro.

Ajose: The Olympic experience was one of my best experiences in my life. It was amazing. It is the best sporting competition on earth. That being said, it is highly politicized now - which was the reason I turned professional. But apparently, the pro business isn’t much different.

The Boko Haram don't phase Ajose. Really??

Me:  Nigeria is experiencing an uncertain future with the emergence of  Islamic extremist militants such as the Boko Haram. Do you have an opinion on what is going on back home? What are your concerns for Nigeria?

Ajose: Nigeria doesn't have an uncertain future. Yes, we have some issues at the moment but every country has issues. It is just a difficult time for us now, and I am sure it will soon pass. Our future is bright.

Me: Back to boxing – do you keep in good shape throughout the year? Or do you pull a Ricky Hatton and let it all hang out between fights?

Ajose: I am scared of getting fat so I'm always doing something to stay fit. I'm a true pro.

Me: You have found it difficult to get people to fight you. How do you overcome this and continue to have a functional career? How do you get the fights you need to progress if people duck you?

Danny Garcia did ^ this ^ to Ajose. 

Ajose: Lol! That's why I'm always broke. Right now I am a "high risk low reward kind of fighter" so nobody willingly wants to fight me. It's a matter of getting hold of a world title and then all that will change. 

Me: How did your relationship with Lou Dibella start? Do you guys get along?

Ajose: I just came to the US because my girlfriend was moving back home (she's American). And when I got here I arranged a meeting with Lou Dibella, the rest as they say is history. And yes, we get along.

Me: If you don’t have a fight for a while how do you make a living? Do you do professional sparring for other fighters' training camps?

Ajose: I'm an active soldier in the Nigerian army as an instructor. No, I don't go to camp as sparring partner but when my friends need sparring I help out. 

Me: What do you like to do when you are not boxing? Hobbies, interests etc?

Ajose: I used to play football (soccer). Now I just play table tennis, spend time with my girlfriend and kids.

Me: What are the main differences between the British and American boxing scenes? Which is more political?

Ajose papping Mattyhsse 

Ajose: As we all know, when the Americans do something, they do it big. The promotion aspect here is bigger than in Britain. There is more politics in British boxing than the US. For example: how many times have you seen 2 foreign boxers headlining a show in the UK? The answer I guess is 0. In the US you see it all the time. It doesn't matter where you are from, if you are good they want to see you fight, simple. Mathew Macklin is fighting Golovkin in few days, they are both foreign but they are headlining a big show here.

Me:  Most people in the US will know you from the Matthysse fight. How did that fight happen? Who wanted to fight who?

Ajose: I was just willing to fight anyone and he was willing to fight anyone too. It's that simple. 

Matthysse returning the favor.

Me:  What are your memories of the fight? How hard does Matthysse hit?

Ajose: I remember I could not do what was natural to me as a result of rustiness. And he hit like a heavyweight, no, for real. You see what happened to the guys he fought after me? Nobody lasted 3 rounds. I think there is more to that kind of power, that's all I'll say.

Me: Wow, ok…let’s steer you away from a lawsuit and ask you what's your favorite pre-fight meal?

Ajose: Anything healthy. Sometimes, I eat hamburgers. 

Me:  Sex before a fight. Yes or no?

Ajose: Sex? Oh yes.

Me: Good lad. What do you think of Hank Lundy as a fighter? What's going to happen on July 19th?

Ajose: He's a good boxer but I'm better. I’m tougher and I’m more experienced. I’ll win.

Me:  The 140 division is rich with talent. What would be your dream fight? And, did Danny Garcia duck you?

Ajose: Dream match would be against Floyd Mayweather. He is the best around, and I want to fight the best.  Surely, Danny Garcia ducked me. That is not to say he is not a good fighter but he ducked me, simple.

Kanu: Ajose approved Nigerian legend

Me: Who was your greatest inspiration?

Ajose: I get my inspiration from everywhere. No one specific. 

Me:  What do you think of Al Haymon’s influence in boxing?

Ajose: Al Hamon is getting the most money for the boxers so that is good in my opinion. The boxers are the ones risking their lives to earn a living so if they get paid more that's good by me.

Me:  Who is the greatest Nigerian sportsman of all time? You are allowed to say yourself.

Ajose: That is a tough one. Hmmmmm! I'll go with Kanu Nwankwo. 

Me:  Do you have a message for your fans?

Ajose: Thank you so much for all your support from the UK, from Nigeria and here in the US. I do very much appreciate you all. I promise I'll always give you the best I can. 

Me: Ok, that’s it. Thanks so much

Ajose: This is the longest interview I' ve ever done, don't you realize I have a job? I actually have to train and rest for this fight! Lol.

  

Ajose - delighted and relieved...that this interview is over.

Mayweather vs Canelo. You just got Punk’d!

Piss. Off. Kutcher.

Like most boxing fans, I am waiting for Ashton Kutcher to emerge from the bushes with a camera crew and a shit-eating grin to tell us that we have indeed been the victim of an elaborate Punking. “Mayweather/Canelo isn’t really happening, morons. You’re all so stupid. Hahahah. My life is awesome and yours is pedestrian. You work really hard in a soul-sapping job for 10 days vacation a year while MTV paid me millions of dollars to make Frankie Muniz briefly think he got a parking ticket.” That reference is appallingly dated but so is the notion that the best should face the best.  Today, this fight dubbed “The One” seems too good to be true.

$howtime

It seemed to come out of nowhere but it actually makes a lot of sense. Floyd was probably anxious to drastically improve on the PPV numbers from the Guerrero fight. Canelo is the biggest (non-Top Rank) name out there and it’s better to face him and cash in now before Floyd physically declines and before Canelo gains any more valuable experience from big fights. The only other, non Top Rank fighter that could possibly generate as much revenue would be  Khan. Even though, I personally and unbiasedly think Khan with his speed is the only person between 140 and 147 who could cause Floyd genuine problems – Khan really doesn’t yet deserve that fight.

Eventually Happened. 

I want us all to collectively give Floyd credit here. I want us to gather round in a circle, hold hands, (it’s only weird if you make it weird) take some deep breathes and say altogether: “Thank you for taking this fight, Floyd”. Doesn’t that feel better? Mayweather was always accused of ducking fights. If anything he ducked one fight, singular, but I don’t think he ducked Pacquiao. Floyd has a well-earned big ego, and if you don’t play ball you don’t get 40 million dollars.  Sure Floyd should want to fight the best and make concessions to make the best fights happen. But so should Pacquiao. No one did any ducking and no one was taking PED’s. Everyone just fucked up. Anyway it still could happen – Tyson v Lewis EVENTUALLY happened.

Muy fuerte. 

Floyd is certainly making concessions for this fight. The catch weight of 152 lbs gives Floyd no real edge; if anything it’s unfair to Floyd. Canelo is a growing boy who eats his vegetables and will re-hydrate to God knows what. Floyd does, on occasion, get hit. He may get hit on the glove but that glove is nestled next to the temple; that contact still registers and it will really bloody register when there is 20 pounds of extra torque on it. Remember that knock down of Austin Trout? Remember that brutalization of Josesito Lopez? Canelo Alarez can really hit you. Yikes. Be careful, Floyd!

Pull the other one. 

Floyd Money Mayweather is putting himself in harm's way against a big, hard puncher with speed, agility who throws devastating combinations. So seriously, Kutcher – come out now and let’s just get this over with. Even that stand off in Times Sqaure on the 1st of their 11-city press tour didn’t look convincing. Schaefer gave a solid performance and Canelo’s trainer is a budding Burgess Meredith but i'm no sap, i've been hurt before and I don’t buy it. But if the jig isn’t up come September 14th I’ll be buying it big time.          

Adrien Broner. What’s his Problem?

Magic man experiencing some problems. 

Adrien Broner thought he was going to knock out Paulie Malinaggi. He didn’t come close. He connected cleanly on multiple occasions and “rocked” Paulie, but Paulie wasn’t rocked senseless in the sense that he was “rocked out”. That’s right – English is my first language.  Broner did look like he was holding back– perhaps more conservative than usual on his debut at welterweight. But nevertheless he didn’t do the business convincingly. He over-promised and under-delivered. Womp womp. 

Most people, including myself, thought that Broner was going to really be a dangerous opponent for Malinaggi. I had premonitions of a brutal humiliating knockout for the proud and emotional Brooklynite; I never thought the weight would be a problem for the Cincinnati Kid. Broner’s power seemed so devastating at lightweight that I was sure he would bring it with him to 147. Pacquiao managed it and do we honestly think that Pacquiao wouldn’t have knocked out Malinaggi. (If you’re looking for logic – Malinaggi was pummeled by Hatton and we all know what Manny did to Hatton.)

Brooklyn go hard

Broner caused some swelling on Paulie’s face but Paulie’s face swells in a stiff wind. The Problem just wasn’t that impressive and Paulie held him off by keeping very busy with fast hands and accurate jabbing. Paulie boxed well, lost a split decision and then publicly denounced the entire boxing hierarchy in a trademark anti-establishment outburst. (More on that another time.) Broner normally starts slow, observes his opponents for a couple of rounds then takes over and overwhelms the opposition. It’s an exciting progression to watch in a fight.  But that didn’t happen on Saturday night because Malinaggi didn’t let it.

Paulie is a self-confessed light puncher. But he hurt his hand in the fight (again). This could have even been avoided had he not aimed consistently for Broner’s chest, which was guarded in that Mayweather-esque style by Broner’s crossed arms. Hitting elbows cannot be good for your hands. My point is Paulie could have angled his punches up a few inches and caused more damage. What boxing experience do I have that validates my constructive criticism for a 15-year veteran? Hey, I have a perfect record 0-0-0. Paulie did well but a tight split decision was a fair result because Broner looked frustrated but never in trouble, connected with power shots and was never “rocked”. In fact, it seemed like deep down a split decision respectable loss is what he envisaged. He just didn't want to be embarrassed and New York judge Tom Schreck's 117-111 constituted embarrassment. 

Mayweather helps the aged. 

Broner may be 23 but he gave a distinctly immature post-fight interview. He had all the swagger of a man who had just scored a knock-out. He said Paulie ran, it’s called “boxing”, he bragged about taking Paulie’s girlfriend, this isn’t Days of Our Lives, and claimed that he won decisively – not according to the judges. He also had his hair brushed – that was funny as recently as his last fight. If Floyd Mayweather really is his role-model, he may consider emulating Floyd’s performance and post-match sportsmanship towards his opponent (yes I am choosing to ignore Victor Ortiz and Larry Merchant- gates) Those 2 qualities are what redeems Floyd enough to keep the fans coming back to see him. It’s just enough of a reprieve to keep him in business. Sure fans hate him but he is an elite athlete performing on a unique level and at the end of the fight he says some nice things about his opponent. It puts us at ease. That’s not a fighter’s job but it keeps the lights on.

All in my grill. 

Broner shaded a beatable opponent and then was a dick. All through the promotion Paulie took the bait, rose to it and retaliated in kind. They bickered. Malinaggi wanted to clear the air at the end, Broner didn’t. Big whoop –  life goes on. But Broner is now a welterweight champion and will have to defend his belt against harder hitting, colder and more unflappable opponents. Marcos Maidana, for example, will neither understand nor be impressed with these kinds of shenanigans. He will simply take your head off.

 I was a massive Broner apologist before this fight.  He’s fun, sports is entertainment and he is entertaining plus his selection of grills are outstanding. He is the heir apparent to Floyd Mayweather in the way that he is very good and I want to see him get his ass handed to him but love him or hate him Floyd EARNED his braggadocio. Corrales, Castillo, De La Hoya, Gatti, Judah, Hatton, Marquez, Mosely, Cotto. That is a phenomenal resumé. I don’t hate Broner now or think he’s bad for boxing. I am simply recognizing that he gave a performance unworthy of his own hype and exhibited bad manners. Poetically enough, when Broner finally does bite off more than he can chew, Paulie will be the Showtime announcer with the platform to gleefully comment, unanswered, on how the Problem was solved.