Former multiple world title challenger OLA “Kryptonite” AFOLABI left Southern California last week in final preparations for his International Boxing Federation (‘IBF’) Cruiserweight World Title clash with champion YOAN PABLO HERNANDEZ set for Saturday, December 6th in Oldenburg, Germany.“I had been training for the last few weeks in Los Angeles but for the best sparring I came to Kiev, Ukraine to work with OLEKSANDR USYK in his camp” said the London born Afolabi who has compiled a record of 21-3-4 (10KO’s) during his distinguished career that began with no amateur bouts.
With a record of 5-0 with five knockouts, Usyk is a very highly regarded cruiserweight prospect, the southpaw having won the 2012 Olympic Gold Medal at heavyweight for Ukraine.
“I’ve watched Usyk fight before and he is clearly very strong and talented. He is a tall southpaw who will help me prepare for Hernandez, if I can do well with him I will beat Hernandez.”
Having challenged current WBO Cruiserweight World Champion Marco Huck three times, Afolabi is excited at the challenge of facing Hernandez, 29-1-0 (14KO’s).
“I’m done with Huck, three fights is plenty and it’s time for a change. I’ve been studying Hernandez for the last few months and know what will work against him” said Afolabi.
Continued TOM LOEFFLER of K2 Promotions; “This is a great opportunity for Ola. He had the three very close bouts with Huck but has now fought his way back into another world title fight. His perseverance throughout his career has served Ola well and I am confident sparring with Usyk is the right move and will have him well prepared to beat Hernandez.”
Afolabi will be fighting for the eighth time in Germany and is therefore undeterred about hometown scoring for Hernandez. “I just focus on winning the fight, as many rounds as possible to leave no doubt.”
Fighting under K2 Promotional banner, Afolabi has the full support of the most popular boxer in Germany, Unified Heavyweight World Champion Wladimir Klitschko.
Afolabi has fought his last two bouts at Madison Square Garden, The Mecca of Boxing, including a 12-round unanimous decision over Lukasz Janik on November 2, 2013, winning the International Boxing Organization Cruiserweight Title.
He followed that with a third round stoppage of Anthony Caputo Smith on July 26th on the undercard of the Gennady Golovkin/Daniel Geale World Middleweight Championship.
