If Anthony Joshua is a wow to Nigerians for his achievements in the boxing world, Nigeria might have a new name to look forward to, his name, Raphael Akpejiori.

The 29 – year old heavyweight boxer, who turned professional in 2018, has had 6 fights with 6 wins all wins coming via technical knockout. Promoted by Classic Entertainment Sports Boxing and trained by former world champion Glen Johnson, Raphael wants his name to resonate in boxing top division.

Signed by Miami basketball team in 2010, before eventually switching to play American football and gaining a place at the Miami Dolphins’ rookie training camp, Raphael who has an imposing 6ft 8” figure reveals he loves fighting.

“I actually always loved fighting. I don’t know if that’s a good thing, but when I was in secondary school in Nigeria I fought like every other day.”

After a second-round TKO win against Mike Ford in January this year, Akperioji is eyeing a showdown with IBF, WBO and IBO champion, Anthony Joshua on a Nigeria soil which he termed as a serious ambition.

“I can guarantee that the whole country would be tuned in. I can guarantee that the whole of Africa will be tuned in,” Akpejiori said.

“I’ve actually thought about the prospect of that, I still have a lot of work to do.”

“Obviously I want to fight Anthony Joshua tomorrow,” admits Akpejiori.

“If he has the belts at that time, I’m going to collect the belts from him at that time.

“Fighting Joshua is not just about having a great record, or whatever. There’s a business side to it that I have to accomplish too.

“I have to get my name out there. I’m going to have to show some quality, in my boxing. I’m going to have to present myself to the public and to promoters as this is a fight that needs to happen.

“But if that happens, it would be a great fight for the country and for the continent. That could happen in Nigeria,  that can happen in Lagos, Nigeria, that can happen in Abuja, Nigeria, that can happen in Calabar, Nigeria.”

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