Why the Australian star refuses to watch the 122-second miracle… but will face the Panthers star in an Eels jersey – Fox Sports
In total, that’s 122 seconds of fight footage.
Or less than one round.
That, and one of the most unforgettable moments in Australian boxing history.
LINEAR BOXING | JULY 19: Undefeated rising star Paulo Aokuso takes on former world champion Renold Quinlan LIVE on Kayo Sports. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
But as for getting Paulo Aokuso to see it?
“Nah, never have,” he admits of that night in 2009 when, against the odds, Australian Danny Green went and knocked out American boxing megastar Roy Jones Jr.
Remember it?
Of course.
With Green’s right hand that shook, then gasped, he placed Superman among our nation’s most repeated punches even now, 14 years later.
“But still, I’ve never seen it,” Aokuso shrugs.
Which is quite a statement when you consider that when it comes to Jones, a fighter widely regarded as the best of his generation, and among the best of all time, our man from Mt Druitt has seen more old fight tapes than anyone. most.
With good reason too.
“Everything Roy Jones does, I try to copy,” continues the 26-year-old Next Big Thing, who, you’ve also probably heard, wants to win a world title in less than the seven fights it took Jeff Fenech.
MAIN EVENT BOXING PODCAST: Aokuso lifts the lid on upcoming fight as he chases epic Bertebiev fight
Aokuso v Quinlan: full press conference | 21:32
MORE COVERAGE
Fiery court exchanges as Australian boxer’s ex vows to fight domestic violence charges
Tszyu Reveals Impressive ‘John Wick’ Hit List As Australian Champion Makes Dire Charlo Prediction
Boxing chaos as main star loses weight, rival team issues ultimatum
Which is a statement, right?
Like, for example, arriving at a basketball game against NSW Origin Stephen Crichton, while wearing the jersey of their great arch-rivals, the Parramatta Eels.
But more on that shortly.
First, Aokuso’s dream of becoming the Australian version of Jones Jnr.
Currently unbeaten in all four fights at light heavyweight, Aokuso looks to “make a statement” this Wednesday night in his first main event against Australian prop Renold Quinlan.
Set to headline the first of what will be three No Limit Fight Nights over the next month, Aokuso promises he won’t need more than three rounds to finish Quinlan, whose own career includes upsetting upsets over Daniel Geale, then the IBO middleweight. champion, and Jack Bowen, a boil later capped our surprise of the year 2022.
While the young gun weighed in at an astonishing 260 grams on Tuesday, which later sparked a series of dramas and pressure for financial compensation, which continued right up to the day of the fight, No Limit’s promoters are confident both men will make the walk. around 9:30 pm tonight.
Better yet, Aokuso promises to produce his KO victory while evoking the same outlandish fighting style that made Jones Jr. a household name, millionaire, multiple world champion, all of it.
All of which is part of a thread that sees the Sydneysider not only wanting to break that Fenech record, but to add his name to the continued rise and rise of fellow local Mt Druitt like cult UFC heavyweight Tai Tuivasa and stars of Penrith Crichton Prime Minister Jarome Luai. and Brian To’o.
While he has strong links to a number of NRL players, and is the uncle of the Roosters’ young gun Joseph Suaalii, the wrestler says he is the closest in Penrith to Crichton, and the pair often play basketball together.
“But I’m not a Penrith fan,” he laughs.
No?
“I follow Parramatta,” he continues, with a growing smile.
“So I will always be ready for our games in my Eels jersey. There’s a lot of s…talking about it.”
But as for who is better?
“Ah, it’s too high, too long,” Aokuso admits of the NSW Origin center.
And can jump.
“He has all the skills, too.
He’s doing very well in football this season, I think it’s been his best year.”
So what’s the chance that Aokuso will soon say the same about himself?
If he gets past Quinlan on Wednesday night in Sydney, the 26-year-old wants to fight at least two more times this year in his bid for a world title.
Better yet, the light heavyweight promises to get there with a fighting style and personality based on that American heartthrob who holds multiple titles in no less than four weight classes.
The first Jones fight you saw?
“James Toney,” Aokuso replies, referencing that IBF super middleweight blockbuster that took place three years before he was born.
“Once I saw that fight, I have followed it ever since.
“I also wanted to fight the same way.
“Obviously it was more difficult to do it in the fans.
“And I am also left-handed, while he is orthodox.
“But still, I like to think that I’m now in the same position where I have a lot of tricks up my sleeve.”
However, when asked about Jones’ confrontation with Green, which occurred when Aokuso was 12 years old, and nearly 10 years before even his amateur debut, the fighter says he has never seen it.
“Even after all this time,” he says. “I don’t like to see Roy Jones Jnr lose.”
Have you ever met him?
“No, not yet,” he continues.
Nikita’s ‘shame’ by KO’ing Bomber | 01:40
“But hopefully one day. Maybe you could even come to one of my fights.
“Everything he does, in and out of the ring, I try to copy.
“Like him, I love being the center of attention, I love people saying my name.
“Because when everything is focused on me, it seems that everything is under control.”
So, as for a Quinlan prediction?
“I am going to make a statement on Wednesday night,” Aokuso insists.
“I’m going to show that there are levels to all of this, and that I’m a level above Renold Quinlan.
“And then from there, I want to have a busy year, fight two, maybe three more times.
“And not just against the best in Australia, but against the best in the world.
“It’s only been three months since my last fight, but even that feels too long, I’m looking forward to getting back there.
“Wednesday night, I don’t think this will go past three.”
