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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Charlie Wilson

Raphael Akpejiori sends clear Tyson Fury message after another impressive KO

Rising heavyweight Raphael Akepjiori added another first round knockout to his impressive record this weekend before calling out Tyson Fury.

The Nigerian, who entered the world of boxing less than five years ago, has now knocked out all of his 13 opponents inside two rounds and has begun putting the division on notice of his impressive power.

Akpejiori has set his goal to earn a world title fight by next year and hopes to face some bigger names before potentially going on to face Fury.

Speaking to Sky Sports he said: "He (Fury) is the man at the top and my goal is to go to the top.

"He's been doing this for a long time. I've been doing this for a good part of five years.

"I'm learning a lot over the course of time. I believe that when I get there, when I get to fighting him, I will beat him."

Akpejiori only started boxing in 2017. He spent four years playing for University of Miami (Miami Hurricanes) basketball team, before spending a training camp with Miami Dolphins in the NFL.

His supreme athleticism was noticed by boxing trainers, before he transitioned to the sport, having 14 amateur fights before going pro in 2018.

The 31-year-old clearly has Fury on his mind, giving him a nickname as he promises to defeat him.

Akpejiori said: "If I ever knocked Tyson Fury down, I will keep boxing like it's the start of the round.

"It would be very stupid for me to go in there and start gassing myself with power punches, knowing the man in front of me is a Terminator.

"I'll work for another knockdown and hopefully I'll get three or four knockdowns in a row. I have to stop him on his back or even on his feet, then I can raise my hand in victory.

"The Terminator will be beaten, that's what I'm saying."

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