By Dean Parr
Recently, Norwegian featherweight prospect Andreas Evensen (11-1, 3KOs) continued his winning run with a second round TKO of Mihaly Telekfi in Finland. Andreas took some time after the bout to talk BoxingScene.com through the win.
He said: “As the fight started I was surprised by how hard his left jab was, and he was hitting me quite well with his right to my body. But as the first round went on I got more and more confident.”
This confidence resulted in a knockdown for Evensen after a peach of a left hook to the body, but, as he explains, he wasn't happy with how he acted after Telekfi took a knee.
He continued: “I must say, I was surprised when he took a knee after a body shot. When I stood in the white corner Helge [Evensen’s coach] told me to work with the left jab and set him up for a power shot with the right hand. But instead of doing so, I jumped on him and fired punches with both hands. I got carried away.”
However, in the second, Evensen worked a lot better, taking his time and forcing the referee to stop the bout after 2:21 of the round. “In the second round I started to work properly”, stated Evensen, “as a reflection and to think, ‘What to do better next time’, I must be more accurate and take my time. I feel I showed 1/10 of what I am capable of. As I said in the interview right after the fight, I did not feel optimal or that I boxed the best I can.”
In all fairness to Andreas, though, he was clinical against Telekfi, and he did a better job than other people in his division have done against that particular foe. Evensen said: “I am pleased with the result and it shows that even on a ‘bad’ day I can stop my opponents. Kasper Bruun, a lightweight from Denmark, went five rounds with this guy before he stopped him, so I am satisfied that I stopped him in the second. I know Kasper from the amateur boxing, and have fought him [winning on points].”
While not a noted knockout puncher in the past, this win represents Evensen’s second stoppage in a row. The fighter feels that his power is starting to shine through as a pro. “I think that now I am more aware of when I should fire my power punches and when I should fire light but fast punches. My power has always been there but I have not been good enough to use it to my advantage,” declared Evensen.
The Melhus native is also hoping that this performance leads to bigger and better things. “With this fight I have shown people that the stoppage in Manchester [over Gianpiero Contestabile in August] was not just a coincidence, and that I am ready for bigger tasks. So another step on the European rating would be nice, but I don't have any names in particular on my list. Just bring them on! I’ll fight them and beat them”, beamed Evensen.
