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| Raphael Akpejiori | |
|---|---|
| Born | Ethasor Raphael Akpejiori Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria |
| Other names | The Violent Poet |
| Statistics | |
| Weight(s) | Heavyweight |
| Height | 6 ft 8 in (203 cm) |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Boxing record | |
| Total fights | 18 |
| Wins | 17 |
| Wins by KO | 16 |
| Losses | 1 |
Ethasor Raphael Akpejiori is a Nigerian professional boxer.
Early life
Raphael Akpejiori was born on 10 October 1990 in Lagos, Nigeria to Pius and Clara Akpejiori, and grew up in the Surulere area of the city. He was raised alongside his five siblings: Okhiaofe, Ilamosi, Eshemokha, Ideoghena, and Eboshogwe. Growing up in a vibrant and supportive family, Raphael Akpejiori developed a passion for sports and education. In 2008, at the age of 17, he moved to Wichita, Kansas, on a basketball scholarship, where he attended Sunrise Christian Academy. Two years later, in 2010, he was recruited by the University of Miami, where he played as a forward for the university's basketball team for four seasons. During his graduate studies, he transitioned to American football in 2014 and earned an invitation to the Miami Dolphins' training camp in 2015. Akpejiori holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in mechanical engineering, showcasing his dedication to academics alongside his athletic career. Known for his athletic prowess and academic achievements, Akpejiori has successfully balanced his sporting career with a strong background in engineering.
Amateur career
Akpejiori had a brief amateur career, compiling a record of 13–1 (10 KOs). He was invited by the Nigerian Boxing Federation to compete for Nigeria at the Tokyo Olympics as a super-heavyweight.
Professional career
Trained by former world champion Glen Johnson, Akpejiori made his professional debut on 14 September 2018, scoring a first-round technical knockout (TKO) victory over Omar Acosta at the Twin River Event Center in Lincoln, Rhode Island. Following another first-round TKO win over James Advincola in November, Akpejiori scored three more first-round stoppage wins in 2019; a knockout (KO) over Leo Cassiani in June; and TKOs over Johan Lopez in July and Jose Pulido in August. Akpejiori's first fight of 2020 was a second-round TKO win against Mike Ford in January.
Professional boxing record
| 18 fights | 17 wins | 1 loss |
|---|---|---|
| By knockout | 16 | 1 |
| By decision | 1 | 0 |
| No. | Result | Record | Opponent | Type | Round, time | Date | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18 | Win | 17-1 | Santander Silgado Gelez | TKO | ||||
| 17 | Win | 16-1 | Francisco Silvens Mateo | KO | ||||
| 16 | Loss | 15–1 | Arslanbek Makhmudov | TKO | 2 (10), 1:43 | 1 Jul 2023 | Huntington Center, Toledo, Ohio, U.S. | For WBC-NABF heavyweight title |
| 15 | Win | 15–0 | Dell Long | TKO | 1 (8), 1:48 | 21 Jan 2023 | Calta’s Fitness & Boxing, Tampa, Florida, U.S. | |
| 14 | Win | 14–0 | Terrell Jamal Woods | UD | 8 | 11 Jun 2022 | Center Stage Theater, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. | |
| 13 | Win | 13–0 | Santander Silgado | TKO | 1 (8), 1:30 | 6 Nov 2021 | Miami Airport Convention Center, Miami, Florida, U.S. | |
| 12 | Win | 12–0 | Steven Lyons | TKO | 1 (8), 2:59 | 10 Jul 2021 | Miami Airport Convention Center, Miami, Florida, U.S. | |
| 11 | Win | 11–0 | Brandon Spencer | TKO | 2 (8), 1:42 | 11 Jun 2021 | Avanti Palms Resort, Orlando, Florida, U.S. | |
| 10 | Win | 10–0 | Curtis Head | TKO | 1 (6), 2:21 | 24 Apr 2021 | 1500 Grand Central Ave, Vienna, West Virginia, U.S. | |
| 9 | Win | 9–0 | Joshua Tuani | KO | 1 (6), 2:46 | 23 Jan 2021 | Miramar Regional Park Amphitheater, Miramar, Florida, U.S. | |
| 8 | Win | 8–0 | Jared Torgeson | TKO | 2 (6), 1:36 | 7 Nov 2020 | Bonita Springs Elks Lodge, Bonita Springs, Florida, U.S. | |
| 7 | Win | 7–0 | Gary Kelly | TKO | 2 (6), 2:02 | 22 Aug 2020 | Bonita Springs Elks Lodge, Bonita Springs, Florida, U.S. | |
| 6 | Win | 6–0 | Mike Ford | TKO | 2 (6), 0:47 | 17 Jan 2020 | Gulfstream Park, Hallandale Beach, Florida, U.S. | |
| 5 | Win | 5–0 | Jose Pulido | TKO | 2 (6), 1:40 | 17 Aug 2019 | Plaza Principal de Pacho, Pacho, Colombia | |
| 4 | Win | 4–0 | Johan Lopez | TKO | 1 (4), 2:59 | 26 Jul 2019 | Miccosukee Resort & Gaming, Miami, Florida, U.S. | |
| 3 | Win | 3–0 | Leo Cassiani | KO | 1 (4), 2:45 | 15 Jun 2019 | Parque Central, Tolú, Colombia | |
| 2 | Win | 2–0 | James Advincola | TKO | 1 (4), 0:49 | 21 Nov 2018 | Twin River Event Center, Lincoln, Rhode Island, U.S. | |
| 1 | Win | 1–0 | Omar Acosta | TKO | 1 (4), 0:59 | 14 Sep 2018 | Twin River Event Center, Lincoln, Rhode Island, U.S. |
Personal life
In November 2023, Akpejiori married basketball player and NBA analyst Chiney Ogwumike.
References
- "Boxing record for Raphael Akpejiori". BoxRec.
- Damerell, Richard (6 May 2020). "Anthony Joshua has new Nigerian rival in Raphael Akpejiori who targets world title fight in Africa". Sky Sports. Retrieved 30 May 2020.
- "Raphael Akpejiori". University of Miami Athletics. June 3, 2017. Retrieved February 23, 2022.
- "Fast Breaks: Raphael Akpejiori". University of Miami Athletics. 8 November 2011. Retrieved 22 January 2020.
- "Meet Raphael Akpejiori of Road Warrior Sports & Entertainment in Coral Gables - Voyage MIA Magazine | Miami City Guide". Voyage MIA. 7 November 2019. Retrieved 22 January 2020.
- "From 'Canes' court to Dolphins' field, Akpejiori embraces transition". FOX Sports. 12 May 2015. Retrieved 23 January 2020.
- ^ Orekoyaomikun, Oluwamay (10 September 2018). "Akpejiori to face Omar Acosta in pro debut". Sporting Life. Retrieved 30 May 2020.
- Ihuoma, Chidinma (9 March 2020). "I don't regret dumping basketball for boxing –Akpejiori". The Nigerian Xpress. Retrieved 30 May 2020.
- "CES Boxing signing top talent — Boxing News". Boxing News 24/7. 9 August 2018. Retrieved 22 January 2020.
- "BoxRec: Raphael Akpejiori vs. Omar Acosta". boxrec.com. Retrieved 22 January 2020.
- "BoxRec: Raphael Akpejiori vs. James Advincola". boxrec.com. Retrieved 22 January 2020.
- "BoxRec: Raphael Akpejiori vs. Leo Cassiani". boxrec.com. Retrieved 22 January 2020.
- "BoxRec: Raphael Akpejiori vs. Johan Lopez". boxrec.com. Retrieved 22 January 2020.
- "BoxRec: Raphael Akpejiori vs. Jose Pulido". boxrec.com. Retrieved 22 January 2020.
- Salazar, Francisco (21 January 2020). "Maureen Shea Stops Martina Horgasz in Six in Hallandale, Florida". BoxingScene.com. Retrieved 22 January 2020.
- "WNBA Star Chiney Ogwumike and Boxer Raphael Akpejiori Marry in Epic Four-Day Wedding Celebration". Peoplemag. Retrieved 2023-12-13.