By Luis Sandoval
A recent story on Boxingscene.com detailed plans for WBC 140 lb. champion Erik Morales hoping to return to the ring in January in a tune up bout.
The news caught the attention of Ajose Olusegun, the mandatory challenger for Morales’ title. The undefeated Nigerian southpaw has been waiting for his shot at not only Morales, but the WBC title itself. He believes he has been long overdue for a title shot and is tired of being avoided.
“It’s really frustrating. Erik Morales has been a boxer for a long time, so he should know how I feel. He’s the man who says he has not been ducking anybody but obviously, he’s ducking me now,” said an irritated Olusegun.
“He’s not supposed to be the champion in the first place. But for one reason or another, he became champion.”
Olusegun recently fought on Showtime against Ali Chebah in an exciting affair. The fight was a final eliminator, which meant the winner was supposed to fight Morales, who defeated Cano two weeks earlier for the vacant title, but the fight so far has not been discussed.
According to Olusegun, his promoter Lou DiBella has spoken with the WBC, who said they will allow Morales to make a voluntary defense. Morales said he plans to try to campaign at lightweight one more time and possibly try to fight champion Antonio DeMarco.
While Olusegun prefers to fight Morales, he believes the legendary Mexican should vacate the belt if he doesn’t plan to honor his mandatory challenge.
“If he doesn’t want to fight, okay, he’s supposed to relinquish the title. If he doesn’t want to vacate it, then the WBC should strip him,” said Olusegun. “When the title becomes vacant, then I’ll fight the top contender in the WBC ratings.”
Olusegun and his team have a bone to pick with WBC just as much as they do with Morales. After all, they were passed over when Morales was permitted to fight for the title that was stripped from Tim Bradley earlier this summer.
His handlers are prepared to take legal action if necessary. In the meantime, the overlooked contender had some choice remarks for the Mexican champion.
“Erik Morales is a coward. He’s not worthy to be a champion. If he thinks otherwise, then fight me, declared Olusegun. “He’s a coward. He’s saying he doesn’t want to duck anyone and at the same time he said he wants an easy fight.”
Olesegun says he will not sit still waiting for a Morales fight. They will continue to explore their options but getting his title shot that he feels he deserves still takes precedence over anything else. While he’s never met Morales, he’s more than eager to cross paths with him more than ever.
“I’ve never met him and I can’t wait to meet him now.”
You can follow Luis Sandoval on Twitter @truewest007. You can also tune in to Boxingscene’s Official radio show The Boxing Lab every Tuesday from 6-8PM PST with hosts Ernest Gabion, Luis Sandoval, and Ryan Burton.
