Boxing: Ahio ready to box again

Hemi Ahio (right) is set to step back into the ring after his most recent victory over Clarence Tillman. Photo / Getty Images

Kiwi heavyweight boxing prospect Hemi Ahio will headline the Fight Against Obesity card at the Trusts Stadium in Auckland on Saturday when he meets journeyman Junior Maletino Iakopo.

The Fight Against Obesity event is being run by Monty Betham as a fundraiser for his Steps for Life Foundation, which helps promote fitness and well-being among young people.

Betham has acted as a coach and promoter, among other things, for the fight night that will feature 11 corporate bouts and a co-main event where radio personality Nate Nauer will step in the ring against a lucky listener.

Then it will be down to Ahio (5-0) who has overcome a recent finger injury to take on Iakopo (3-16-2). The 39-year-old Kiwi has an unflattering record but has recorded upset wins over countrymen Afa Tatupu (9-6) and Antz Nansen (4-3).

"I'm excited about this," Betham said of Ahio's bout. "He's an exciting prospect. He's a great fighter and he's a role model for a lot of the kids that we work with because he eats clean; he's chosen a different path and he looks after himself and he's got a goal and he's driven."

Ahio, 24, last fought in March when he defeated Clarence Tillman (11-20-2) on the undercard of a Super 8 event in Christchurch via first round TKO.

Ahio's handlers have struggled to get him local opponents and Iakopo shouldn't pose much of a test for him, despite the cautious words of Ahio's trainer Lolo Heimuli.

"He's the kind of guy you can't allow in the fight at any stage, he's very tough, comes to fight, and if he gets a sniff, will be all over you," Heimuli said of Iakopo.

"We must jump on him early or it will be a tough night at the office for Hemi."

Betham (7-1) also fought on that Super 8 card in Christchurch in March when he defeated former English cricketer Adam Hollioake (2-2) via TKO in the fourth round of their cruiserweight bout.

The 37-year-old said he had been itching to get back in the ring since dusting Hollioake.

"I haven't stopped thinking about a return," the former Warriors hardman said. "There may be a stage shortly where I might just put it out there and ask whoever's interested."