Boxing’s Rising Star: Elijah Pierce Eyes Unified Titleholder Akhmadaliev
Junior Featherweight Contender Poised for Breakout Performance
(June 28, 2023 – Atlanta, GA) Junior featherweight Elijah Pierce, 27, is gearing up for a pivotal showdown on Friday night as he headlines the OTX8 event presented by OTX Boxing in Atlanta, Georgia. Despite hailing from a non-boxing hotbed in Oklahoma City, Pierce has steadily climbed the ranks, overcoming doubters and adversity to establish himself as a serious contender in the 122-pound division.
In his last fight, Pierce bounced back from a knockdown to score a knockout victory over Arthur Villanueva, a performance he views as a valuable learning experience. “God has guided me throughout my career, helping me evolve piece by piece,” Pierce reflected. “The last fight was a lesson about not being overconfident, but I’m making progress toward my goal of becoming a world champion.”
On June 28th, Pierce will face off against the experienced Jose Sanmartin of Colombia, who recently suffered a close split decision loss to the WBA’s 3rd-ranked contender Shabaz Masoud. However, Pierce has his sights set on a more esteemed prize – a future showdown with unified titleholder Murodjon Akhmadaliev, the WBA’s top-ranked fighter in the division.
“That’s who I’m targeting next,” Pierce declared. “After this fight, I should move to No. 2 in the WBA. He’s No. 1. Let’s set up an eliminator.” Expressing confidence in his abilities, Pierce envisions a stoppage victory over the skilled Akhmadaliev. “MJ is skilled, but boxing is a mental game. People haven’t seen all I can do. It’s time to unveil different sectors of my skill set and earn the recognition I deserve.”
Despite the challenges of cutting to 122 pounds and hailing from a football-centric state, Pierce has persevered, stringing together 10 consecutive victories after suffering two early career setbacks. “Where I’m from isn’t a boxing state, it’s football,” he acknowledged. “Cutting to 122 pounds was challenging, but settling in there was comfortable. People once overlooked me, calling me trash, but now I’m becoming who I’m meant to be.”
With his sights set on the top of the junior featherweight division, Elijah Pierce is poised to make a statement on June 28th in Atlanta. Boxing fans can expect an electrifying performance as this rising star aims to secure his place among the sport’s elite.
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