Interview with Hot Prospect Segun Ajofe

2 May, 2002 - by Ike Enwereuzor

"I wish I could meet him now as a Pro . I know I'll kill him" - Unbeaten jr welterweight prospect Segun Ajofe now (5-0) 3KO's is one of Nigerias' well accomplished amateur boxer. He began his amateur career 1987, in Nigeria, West Africa. Ajofe compiled a record of (98-8) and won numerous titles and medals as an amateur. He won such titles as the Nigerian National championship, eagle belt, won Gold Medal at the All African Games and was awarded best boxer of the year 1999. Ajofe made his professional debut after he represented his Country, Nigeria in 2000 Olympics in Sydney, Australia. Ajofe lost a controversial stoppage to current American jr welter prospect Richardo Williams. In his last fight on March 13,Ajofe won on points against Gary Flear. Ajofe's expected to return to action May 9, against Darren Melvile (9-1) at Equinox Leicester Square in London, England. Here's what Ajofe had to say...

Please, tell our readers why you decided to box amateur?
My father (Joseph Ajofe) was an assistant coach at Niger State Sports council. The first time I wear a glove was with a girl and I was found flat on the floor. My father came back to Bariga, Lagos. I used to be with Moses James. I really adored Moses James. I regard him like a big brother to me. I hope he's doing good in his career. I know he's in USA.

Describe your fight with Richard Williams in Olympics 2000?
Our fight was very controversial. They stopped fight for no reason, I wish I could meet him now as a pro. I know I'll kill him. I was a better boxer than him and I'm still better now but you know Americans had all their people there as officials but our Country had nobody there for us. That's the Boxing politics. If Richardo thinks he's better than me then let put it on.

Describe your professional debut?
It was in England, a great fight for me. I fought a guy with 4 fights and knock him out in round one. I never fought pro before but he had 4 pro fights. It was a good fight for me. My third fight was in Nigeria, I fought Sunny Ajayi for 6 rounds. It was tough but I was the better man.

How was your fight with Ajayi?
Great fight. I learn a lot from that fight. It was a tough fight too.

How do you like London?
I love the Country, it's cool but the weather is not easy but what can we do. I don't think I have too much a choice now.

Your thoughts on Boxing in Nigeria?
Boxing in Nigeria could be improved. We Nigerians need to market and project our boxer so they can be the best in this. The support is very low. Companies need to sponsor boxers. Instead of us projecting our Boxers we destroy them. We need to invest and promote boxing, we have a lot of
good talents that need support.

Please, tell us about your upcoming fight with Darren Melvile on May 9?
The fight will happen at Equinox Leicester Square, London, England. I don't know much about him but he has 9 wins and only a lost. He has more fights than myself but I know I'll come in my best shape and I'm coming to do my best and I'll beat him. I want to invite my fans to coming see a good show May 9. He has a better record but I don't think he's better than me. I'm just growing but feel I can beat any jr welterweight in world if fight is to be 6 rounds. I have a lot of amateur experience.My mission is to be a world champion in two years that's my goal so by God's grace I'll be there.

Your thoughts on Ike Ibeabuchi?
Ibeabuchi is a great fighter who would have been a world champion now. But I guess they are not ready for this. I felt very bad to hear his story. He's a bright guy and I know him from amateur, he never was into girls like that. He had all it takes to be a champion. I hope he keeps it together.

Impression of Daniel Attah?
I was with Attah in amateur. He was very fast then. I haven't seen him fight professional. Attah don't need to fight for world title to be a world class fighter. I think he will beat Acelino Freitas, in fact in 3 years Nigeria should have over 5 world champions

Your thoughts on Kostya Tszyu,and Zab Judah?
Kostya, I saw him during olympics 2000 in Sydney, Australia. He's a great boxer but with time I'll fight any of them. I know he'll not fight me now but I need a year or two I would be ready for any of them. I would fight him or Zab if I was to face them for a 6 rounder. Kostya has plenty of amateur experience.

Zab Judah is an excellent boxer but unfortunately he got knockout in round two by Kostya. I didn't expect it to end that quick but I Kostya will win. I like Zab Judah a lot, he's still young just give him time he'll be back to regain his title. Give me a year I'll take on Zab Judah. I can still beat any of thes two if give 6 rounds.

Who are the boxer you admire?
I like Zab Judah, Shane Mosley, Roy Jones and Floyd Mayweather

Any comments to your fans?
I want to thank all my fans for their support. I love all my Nigerian fans and I promise not to let them down. Please, keep supporting me because I'm in a mission to becoming a world champion soon.