by Tony Nobbs – Jackson Asiku may fight in his Ugandan homeland in 2010 according to his Perth based trainer-manager Craig Christian – the man behind the world class “Harry’s Gym” in Balcatta, Perth, Western Australia.
The likable Jackson (26-3, 14 ko’s) was all “Action” in his outstanding eight round knockout of long time Mexican contender Heriberto Ruiz (42-9-2, 24 ko’s) to capture the vacant IBO featherweight strap on November 6 at The Parramatta Leagues Club. Right from the outset,31 year old Asiku threw punches gradually breaking down the tough Los Mochos fighter who entered with a top ten world ranking by the IBF at super bantamweight.
Three knockdowns in the eighth round – the final right hand dropping Ruiz for several minutes, concluded what had become a one sided affair.
After the fight, Asiku called out Billy Dib – the former IBO super featherweight titlist now campaigning back at featherweight where he dropped a unanimous verdict to WBO champ Steven Luevano last year..
Dib called Asiku “No Action Jackson” and the African borns reply has set the the table for another domestic dream match.
“Billy, you’ve talked the talk, now walk the walk” said Jackson, a three time Australian and once Comonwealth and IBF regional champion.
“I had waited so long for the opportunity to fight for a world title” he said. “I knew I had to win as I wont get another chance. I trained very very hard for it, Craig pushed me. I knew Ruiz was going to be tough and was experienced but I knew I was going to be too strong and too busy. Thanks to Craig and all the boys at Harry’s Gym”.
It has been a long journey for the talented Ugandan, one of the original “African Kings” who based themselves with Austin Taylor in Adelaide, South Australia after the Sydney 2000 Games.
He has three points losses on his resume – but many dispute two of those – to world ranked Nedal Hussein and future world champ Gairy St Claire. He’s a three time Australian featherweight champion, beating Arnel Barratillo, Frank De Milo and Matt Powell, won the Commonwealth crown and defended it with first round knockouts over Marc Callaghan and Jamie McKeever in the UK and was the first man to stop St Claire in a rematch on a Danny Green card in April this year.He is unbeaten in 15 starts since his points defeat to Fahprakorb Rakiattgym in Thailand heat in 2004 for the IBF Pan Pacific title. He has fought just once as a profesional in Uganda, winning the African Boxing Union title in 2005.
“I thought Jackson won both of those fights (Hussein and St Clare)” said Christian. “He hasn’t had the breaks other guys have had. He has been the number two or three guy in the gym, there for sparring and his heart hasn’t been in it” addded Craig whose stable also includes WBA boss Chris John.
“Now he’s number one and he’s happy. I train him and Chris John the same.
“I think you will see a million percent improvement in Jackson next time out, with another six to eight week training camp where he is the focus.
I was so proud of him (against Ruiz). After the fight he said ‘Harry, let’s get more belts!”
Craig said he and Jackson intend traveling to Uganda, where the multi amateur champion and Commonwealth Games bronze medalist is a national hero, to “see what we can arrange”.
Asiku has fought there once already as professional – a knockout of Saulus Kaundu in Kampala in 2005 to win the African Boxing Union 9 stone title.
“Craig is the man. I will follow his plan” said Jackson.
Asiku, 31, was named his countries sports star of the year for 2009. As an amateur he was trained by Ayub Kalule, former WBA light middleweight champion and an even bigger hero in Uganda.
Pressed on who he may chase for the other belts, Craig mentioned Yuriokis Gamboa, the Cuban sensation currently in possesion of the WBA “interim” title.
“I think he’s a great fight for Jackson. He is open for Jackson’s right hand.”
On a possible Dib clash Craig said “Really I’m not worried about it as I don’t think Billy will fight Jackson. If I was Billy I wouldn’t fight Jackson. Billy should go another way and try and pick up a title because he wont take Jackson’s. If Billy started seriously chasing Jackson then I might get interseted but at this stage we are chasing bigger fights”.