By Terence Dooley

Britain’s former amateur sensation Otuo “Junior” Saba is in the U.S.A. putting down the groundwork for a pro career that many — Roger and Floyd Mayweather included — believe is destined to end in world titles.  Saba is training at the Mayweather Boxing Club in Las Vegas, where he hopes to pick the brains of some of the best coaches around.  The Londoner is trained by Tunde Ajayi and has already appeared on Sky’s Ringside show and Steve Bunce’s Boxing Hour after attracting attention within the British trade due to the dual endorsement of Mickey Rourke and “Money”, who was impressed when Saba worked the pads ahead of Floyd’s open workout during the American’s 2009 visit to the U.K.

“Junior Saba is looking good in the gym, he is a young man on a mission who came to America to turn pro and become a future world champion.  The boxing talent of Junior Saba is well beyond his age of 18.  Boxing fans around the world look out for Junior Saba, he is a future world champion,” said Macke Roberts, the U.S. based adviser for Saba.

“It's a dream for myself and Junior Saba to be back in Las Vegas training at the Mayweather Boxing Club,” added Ajayi, the boxer’s father, trainer and manager.  “Some of the best fighters in the world train at the Mayweather Boxing Club and it’s a blessing for us to display our world class boxing talent in America.

“We just got settled in Las Vegas, but we're here in the gym putting in hard work.  After Junior's first gym workout things are looking good.  Junior Saba and I are here in Las Vegas to show the boxing world that we’re one of the best boxing prospects in the world.   Each day in the gym, we plan to work harder and harder until we become a world champion.

“Mickey Rourke was talking about Otuo when he was over promoting The Wrestler [in the U.K. in 2009].  Mickey came to train [at their London gym], saw Otuo, and could not believe what he was seeing.  I believe he will be one of the great fighters.  Otuo has set himself goals.  I showed him videos so he could see, and learn from, the great fighters.  I have also taught Otuo that it costs nothing to smile and that you should be kind and courteous to everyone you meet.”

Please send news and views to neckodeemus@hotmail.co.uk or Twitter @Terryboxing.