Boxing
'I don't care who stands in front of me' - Teremoana on snubbing Australian title and Huni stadium fight
Teremoana vs. Savage live on DAZN - Wednesday
On Wednesday, another hard-hitting heavyweight is hoping to have his own breakthrough moment.
Australia’s Teremoana Teremoana, an 11-0 rising star, will headline for the first time in his career when he takes on America’s DeAndre Savage, live on DAZN.
So far, Teremoana has knocked out every single one of his opponents and has yet to go past the second round, but in a weight division that is getting increasingly stacked by the day, he needs to continue making noise if he is to become the next ruler at heavyweight.
Teremoana could snub Australian title
Ever since he turned professional in 2020, the Australian heavyweight title has been in Teremoana’s sights.
Not only would it open the door to challenging at the world level, but, in his eyes, it would also allow him to gain the support of the Australian people.
However, against Savage, Teremoana is already going head-to-head with international opposition where the talent pool is greater compared to his homeland.
If Teremoana comes through Savage, then would those dreams of Australian sporting glory become irrelevant?
“I really want the Australian title because I want the Aussies to call me their champion,” Teremoana told DAZN News in an exclusive interview.
“I believe I already am in their eyes by being the only heavyweight to win a bout at the Olympic Games, represented Australia at the Olympics and done well.”
Teremoana: "I'd knockout Itauma"
Teremoana Teremoana previews his fight with DeAndre Savage
Watch: Teremoana vs. Savage with a DAZN subscription on Wednesday August 12
But while Teremoana is passionate about domestic success, he did acknowledge that the Australian heavyweight title may have to fall by the wayside if it is not the right path towards the biggest fights and prizes.
“I don't really care who stands in front of me. Everyone is an obstacle in my way of getting to the world title.
“My manager, Brian Peters, has the best plan for me. He knows how to develop fighters as he's got people there before, and I trust his plan.
“If he tells me we have to go past the Australian title, so be it.”
‘I would love to fight Justis Huni’
When it comes to Teremoana’s immediate future, there is one all-Australian heavyweight matchup which needs to happen, and that’s with Justis Huni.
Both men have had a similar number of bouts, and Huni has already proven he is a strong talent at world level after coming close to beating former world champion Fabio Wardley before being brutally knocked out in the 10th round.
To some in Australia, a Huni-Teremoana matchup is one that could fill a stadium Down Under and settle the debate over who is the better Australian heavyweight.
“I love that fight,” Teremoana said glowingly when Huni’s name was mentioned.
“I do think it could fill a stadium because some people say he's the best Australian fighter. Some people say I'm the best Australian fighter.
“I believe I'm the best Australian fighter that's ever been in Australia at heavyweight.”
So, the challenge is set: Teremoana is ready to prove that he is the best fighter Australia has produced at heavyweight, but if he is to succeed, a statement needs to be made against Savage to unlock the door to the blockbuster matchups in the heavyweight division.
Moses vs. Hrgovic - exclusively on DAZN PPV
Watch Moses Itauma attempt to become the youngest world heavyweight champion since Mike Tyson against Filip Hrgovic on Saturday, August 29, only on DAZN.
Buy as a one-off PPV or included along with Romero vs. Lopez (Aug 22) and Canelo vs. Mbilli (Oct 31) PPVs with a DAZN Ultimate Tier subscription.
