Hemi Ahio (R) will fight undefeated American Samoan Alapati A'asa for the New Zealand NZNBF Heavyweight crown at the Super Eight event in Auckland on November 3. Photo/Getty.
Undefeated American Samoan Alapati A'asa has signed on to fight local prospect Hemi Ahio for the New Zealand NZNBF Heavyweight crown at the Super Eight event in Auckland on November 3.
A'asa comes on board after numerous New Zealand based and several overseas fighters turned down the chance to take
on the highly touted Ahio.
"We've approached literally everyone eligible based in New Zealand and even had verbal agreements in place. But when the time has come to sign on the dotted line they've all pulled out citing a pretty creative list of excuses," said Super Eight promoter, John McRae.
"We even looked at Palmerston North born, seven-time Australian Champion Colin Wilson, but he also withdrew at the 11th hour with work commitments.
"It's frustrating, but in A'asa we have a young hungry heavyweight, with a similar record and approach to Hemi so I'm expecting a war a real slug-fest. This will be his toughest test to date."
