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Friday AhunanyaNigerian professional boxer
Date of Birth: 19.11.1971
Country:  Nigeria |
Content:
- Friday Ahunanya: Nigerian Heavyweight Boxing Trailblazer
- Mixed Results and Controversial Draws
- Tough Loss to Sultan Ibragimov
- Victories and Challenges Against Povetkin and Cameron
- Continued Success and American Conquest
Friday Ahunanya: Nigerian Heavyweight Boxing Trailblazer
Early Career and Notable FightNigerian professional boxer Friday Ahunanya began his career in February 1998 in the heavyweight division. In January 2001, he faced undefeated prospect Sergei Lyakhovich in a highly anticipated clash. Despite Ahunanya's efforts, Lyakhovich outperformed him and emerged victorious by unanimous decision. The fight was part of an HBO-televised event headlined by the Lennox Lewis-Hasim Rahman rematch.
Mixed Results and Controversial Draws
Ahunanya rebounded in March 2004 with a knockout victory over Lance Whitaker but suffered a setback against Taurus Sykes in March 2005. In April 2005, he fought Dominic Guinn to a controversial draw. ESPN's unofficial judge, Teddy Atlas, scored the bout heavily in Guinn's favor.
Tough Loss to Sultan Ibragimov
In September 2005, Ahunanya faced Sultan Ibragimov in a disappointing performance. The fight was stopped in the ninth round due to a cut from a headbutt, with Ibragimov declared the winner on points.
Victories and Challenges Against Povetkin and Cameron
In March 2006, Ahunanya faced Russian Alexander Povetkin in a six-round affair. Despite a strong start, Ahunanya began to tire, allowing Povetkin to maintain the advantage and win by unanimous decision.
Undeterred, Ahunanya traveled to New Zealand in November 2007 to fight undefeated prospect Shane Cameron. Cameron initially dominated but eventually suffered severe facial damage. In the 12th round, Ahunanya landed a devastating left uppercut followed by a right hook, sending Cameron to the canvas. After Cameron rose to his feet, Ahunanya connected with a two-punch combination and knocked him out, leaving New Zealand television commentators stunned.
Continued Success and American Conquest
Ahunanya returned to the ring in June 2008 against undefeated American Alonzo Butler. He displayed superior activity and accuracy, earning a unanimous decision victory.
