19.4.2008: In a battle of former world tittle- challengers, Evans ” The African Warrior” Ashira ( 29-3, 15 KOs) Knocked out former European champion Mamadou Thiam (42-7, 39 KOs) in round six of a scheduled twelve on Saturday night(April 19th) in Frederikssund, Denmark. Ashira, a promotional free agent who once went twelve hard rounds with Joe Calzaghe at super middleweight,is now back at 154lbs,and is looking to get in line for a shot at one of the four major world tittles this year.
The fight started on even terms with both fighters having their share of success, and with the experiencing some difficulties in establishing his rhythm, but as the rounds progressed, Ashira started taking over and applied more and more pressure on Thiam. From the 4th round it was apparent that the Frenchman was getting less and less dangerous, and looked like a matter of time before Ashira would be able to mount his final attack.
The end come 1.05 of the sixth round, when Ashira pinned Thiam against the ropes and connected with hard body-shots before going to the head and landing two crushing left hooks which send Thiam down for the full count. It was an impressive finish which showed that there is a lot left in the Copenhagen-resident.
Ashira went through knee sugery after winning the IBA World Title last September, and his first back. He hopes that one of the big names in light middleweight division will be next:
” i couldn’t get my Rhythm going in the first few rounds, but i am satisfied with my overall performance. There are always questions when you come back after hard injury, but i think i did not take easy fight back, and feel like i will be ready to take on anybody in the world next time out” said Ashira, and continued:
” I am a promotional free agent, so there are nobody holding me down. If any of the World Champions out there are looking for live opponent who is easy to deal with, let their people should call my manager Jan Andersen. I’m ready to roll with anybody! ”
