By Akeem Lawal
EFETOBOR Apochi’s dream of fighting for a world championship became brighter as the Nigerian boxer is now ranked No.1 mandatory challenger in the cruiserweight category in the latest ranking released by the World Boxing Association, Sportsbiz247.blogspot.com reports.
The unbeaten knockout artist punched his way to title contention following a 3rd round knockout of Deon Nicholson in their WBA cruiserweight title eliminator, scoring two knockdowns during the fight held at Shrine Auditorium & Expo Hall in Los Angeles on April 17.
The victory saw Apochi (11-0, 11 KOs) became the mandatory challenger to France’s Arsen Goulaimirian (26-0, 18KOs), who holds the WBA Super Cruiserweight title, and Belgium’s Ryad Merhy (29-1, 24KOs) who holds the WBA world version of the title, with neither boxer having to win a single fight to claim those belts as both came through upgrades.
“When you are in the right place at the right time with the right people, and you are turned in tapped in turned on… loyalty, smart-work, focus and consistency is the key. We Number One 1,” the 33-year-old said on his Facebook Page while reacting to the latest rankings.
According to WBA Ranking for April – 2021, the Delta State-born pugilist is ranked top above former two-time cruiserweight world champion, Yuniel Dorticos of Cuba, who held the WBA title from 2017 to 2018 and the IBF title from 2019 to September 2020.
International Boxing Organization (IBO) World cruiserweight title holder, Kevin Lerena of South Africa is ranked third, while Yury Kashinsky of Russia and Tommy Mccarthy of Great Britain are ranked fourth and fifth respectively.
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