Efetobor Apochi outclassed Deon Nicholson, now bring on the champion Arsen Goulamirian
The battle of the undefeated prospects saw WBA #6 ranked cruiserweight Efetobor “Nigerian Pit Bull” Apochi (10-0, 10ko) thoroughly outclass #5 rated Deon “The Equalizer” Nicholson (14-0, 13ko) in the WBA title eliminator.
The Nigerian Pitbull fights just as his name suggests. He immediately jumps on his opponents with effective pressure. Apochi fought as a heavyweight in the amateurs and participated in the World Series of Boxing. His power has been on full display while competing in the cruiserweight division as a pro.
The Equalizer’s life-story would change after serving time. The young man found boxing as a saving grace fighting out of Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Also, he fights out of the hometown of former WBC Heavyweight champion Deontay Wilde. Still, he has trained in the same gym alongside the former champion.
Both fighters share a common foe in Earl Newman. Apochi stopped Newman in seven hard-fought rounds, while Nicholson went the distance with Newman, winning by unanimous decision. These two power punchers are starting late into the pro game and their advanced age means the winner will be on the fast-track towards a world championship.
EXPERIENCE PLAYED A HUGE FACTOR
The fight started in true Apochi style. He used that extensive amateur background to his advantage by immediately jumping on the less-experienced Nicholson. The Equalizer tried to mount an offense but was not able to get into a groove as the hand speed, movement, and power of the Nigerian Pit Bull stunned him several times in the opening round.
The next two rounds saw the Ronnie Shields-trained fighter Apochi throw everything in his arsenal at The Equalizer. In the second round, after a knockdown was ruled a slip, Apochi immediately attacked the hurt Nicholson. He landed with a left hook, straight right, left hook, and finished with a crushing right uppercut.
The Equalizer would beat the count and narrowly escaped out of the round, but it was obvious the end was near. In the third round, Apochi was landing everything he was throwing and built up to the knockout with a jab and right hand that set his opponent against the ropes, where he unloaded with a left hook, overhand right, and finished it off with a right hand that sent Nicholson to the canvas.
Nicholson would beat the count but was badly hurt and the referee stopped the fight. The Nigerian Pit Bull’s knockout streak remains intact, and he still has not gone the distance.
This victory sets things in motion for the Nigerian Pit Bull on a collision course with WBA champion Arsen Goulamirian.
By: Garrisson Bland
