I’ve no regret dumping basketball for boxing, says Akpejiori

Raphael Akpejiori, the Nigerian boxer, says he has no regret quitting basketball for boxing.

Akpejiori spoke ahead of his clash with Arslanbek Makhmudov, the Russian boxer, on December 16.

Makhmudov will be hoping to defend his NABF and NABA belts during the encounter.

The boxers appear to be an equal match, with Makhmudov boasting 15-0, 14 KOs and Akpejiori holding tight to an awe-inspiring 14-0, 13 KOs.

Only one of Akpejiori’s 14 fights so far has taken the full stretch.

Yet, he said he is still far from being sunk in by the record.

“The fact that my last bout was not a knockout indicated that I can fight well in all situations. To be sure, I have never gone into the ring with the mindset to end the fight in round two or three,” he said.

“I always have one goal and it is to win the fight. This is the only reason I go into the ring fighting aggressively to win. So, if it ends swiftly, it is a bonus because it is not exactly a plan.”

When asked if he would like to fight heavyweight Tyson Fury, Akpejiori said: “No no no, Tyson isn’t my target at all. I actually have nobody in particular in mind. I have a goal to have a fight with whoever is the world champion and then win to become the world champion.

“I have targeted all my hard work towards achieving this singular goal and I must also say that I want to achieve the goal as quickly as possible. Of course, I know that Tyson Fury has been associated with my ambition several times because he has the belt. But the truth is that whoever holds the belt is my target.”

When asked about a possible fight with Anthony Joshua, he said: “I don’t think there should be a big deal about me fighting Anthony. After all, Americans fight Americans all the time, so that wouldn’t bother me in any way.

“Anthony has done well for Britain, for sure, and has made a huge name for himself and for Britain. But as far as I am concerned, himself or whoever stands between the world title and myself simply has to give way. I said earlier that I have a goal and it is to be an undisputed world champion.”

On whether such an all-Nigerian fight could hold in the fatherland of both boxers, Akpejiori said: “I am very open to fighting in Nigeria. But it still has to be agreed that a fight venue is determined largely by so many factors, which includes business, of course.”

For one who was said to have left Nigeria for the United States ostensibly to pursue a basketball career that looked quite promising, it has been a surprise to many that Akpejiori ended up in the boxing ring.

“At a point, I started going to the gym to train to become a boxer. I wasn’t just thrilled anymore on the basketball court. Everything followed thereafter and I increasingly saw boxing as a profession that could make me fulfil my dreams,” he said.

He also reflected on injuries during his days as a basketball player.

“Oh yes, I picked a few injuries but I could still have overcome them to continue playing. The truth is that my spirit was going off the court. My heart and head wanted boxing and it was easy for me to go for it. The switch was easy. Some have asked me if I have any regret leaving basketball for boxing and I always respond in two words: no regrets,” he added.