10-17-2022, 06:20 PM
Meanwhile, heavyweight Ahio (19-1, 14 KOs) must go back to the drawing board after he suffered a shock defeat to Opelu.
With City Kickboxing’s Eugene Bareman and Doug Viney in his corner, a lethargic Ahio never really got out of second gear against his aggressive opponent, who outworked and outlanded the Kiwi in the first three rounds.
When Opelu trapped Ahio on the ropes in the fourth and landed a number of unanswered blows, the referee stepped in to halt the contest with Ahio not throwing back.
It was a somehwat controversial stoppage as Ahio did not appear badly hurt and complained bitterly at the referee's intervention.
But in truth he only had himself to blame for putting in such a lackadaisical performance. He looked disinterested at times and simply wasn't busy enough against the determined Opelu.
The loss is huge blow to Ahio’s standing in the division, with the 31-year-old recently telling Stuff he was ready to fight “anyone in the top 20”.
Faiga Opelu lands a shot on Hemi Ahio on his way to inflictiing the Kiwi's first loss in the pro ranks.
On this showing, he would be no match for the leading heavyweights and his lack of height and reach was apparent against Opelu.
With City Kickboxing’s Eugene Bareman and Doug Viney in his corner, a lethargic Ahio never really got out of second gear against his aggressive opponent, who outworked and outlanded the Kiwi in the first three rounds.
When Opelu trapped Ahio on the ropes in the fourth and landed a number of unanswered blows, the referee stepped in to halt the contest with Ahio not throwing back.
It was a somehwat controversial stoppage as Ahio did not appear badly hurt and complained bitterly at the referee's intervention.
But in truth he only had himself to blame for putting in such a lackadaisical performance. He looked disinterested at times and simply wasn't busy enough against the determined Opelu.
The loss is huge blow to Ahio’s standing in the division, with the 31-year-old recently telling Stuff he was ready to fight “anyone in the top 20”.
Faiga Opelu lands a shot on Hemi Ahio on his way to inflictiing the Kiwi's first loss in the pro ranks.
On this showing, he would be no match for the leading heavyweights and his lack of height and reach was apparent against Opelu.