On paper, this Friday’s ESPN2 Friday Night Fights episode could be one of the best of the year. Taking place at Rockingham Park in Salem, NH will be a 10 round non-title affair in the junior welterweight division between “Hammerin” Hank Lundy and Olusegun Ajose in what will be a display of power, courage, speed, and skill like most fights are told to be. With Lundy coming off of two straight losses and Ajose enduring a beating by the hands of the powerful Lucas Matthysse just two fights ago, there’s a lot to be proven Friday night.
Familiar to the ESPN network, Philadelphia’s “Hammerin” Hank Lundy (22-3-1 11KO’s) has been able to show his best and worst against varying opposition in front of large crowds and a television audience. Last time he stepped in the squared circle was against the undefeated Viktor Postol in his native Ukraine in what was to some a very controversial decision in the home town fighter’s favor, before that he was beaten in an all-out war with Raymundo Beltran where again he lost a close fight. Known for his braggadocios nature, Lundy loves to talk a big game but sometimes he’s unable to get himself out of a big fight and this could be his last chance to keep his place in the packed division, along with his last chance to stay relevant. The game plan for Lundy is to use his power, but with only 11 knockouts he is not a one punch knockout artist although he definitely has the ability to pick his spots and try to outbox Ajose to win a decision, perhaps he will keep his word this time and stop the tough Nigerian.
Hailing from the proud African nation of Nigeria, Olusegun Ajose (31-1 14KO’s) who now trains out of London; is looking to pick himself up with a legitimate win over a legitimate contender. Losing to one of the most explosive punchers in the world in Matthysse, has not lowered stock in Ajose, if anything it has raised it as the tough warrior was able to go toe to toe for almost a full 10 rounds before succumbing to the Argentine’s power. Spending most of his career floating between 138 and 154lbs in UK fights, Ajose does have skill, he does have power, and does have heart, however these things are all going to be questioned going in against Lundy who has only lost to very good opposition with very good resumes. Coming back from a beating with a decision win over a 6-14 fighter, Ajose has had a chance to get back in the ring and move around, this time he has a real fight on his hands and a chance to prove that he isn’t damaged good and can come back to be a force at 140lbs.
The real question isn’t who has it, but who brings it. Lundy has let many down with his pre-fight antics and then turning in a lack luster performance, but he seems very focused and determined to keep his star alive, anticipate the Philly fighter to go for broke in the main event. On this side of the pond not much can be said for Ajose, he lost to possibly the best super lightweight fighter in the world and managed to stand up to him longer than his past two opponents, but does his will and heart get him far enough against a skilled fighter or does he show another dimension and come out on top? Tune in this Friday to find out who’s real and who’s pretending to be something they’re not.
