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Jerome Pampellone could be lining up for a world title if he passes Joshua Francis next week.
Rising cruiserweight Jerome Pampellone could be lining up for an unexpected world title if he wins his fight at next week’s Fight for Life show in Auckland.
Unbeaten Pampellone (12-0, 6 KOs) takes on Joshua Francis (12-1-1, 9 KOs) in a 10-rounder on a bill headed by a clash between All Blacks legend Keven Mealamu and ex- Warriors star Wairangi Koopu.
The IBF Pan-Pacific cruiserweight belt was already up for grabs, but now the stakes have been raised significantly by promoter Dean Lonergan, offering the winner a possible shot at the IBF world title from Australian Jai Opetaia.
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Opetaia (22-0, 17 KOs) became Australia’s first weight champion when he upset Latvian Mairis Briedis by unanimous decision at the Gold Coast Convention Center earlier this month.
The 27-year-old had to come through adversity, suffered a broken jaw in the second round, but outboxed favorite Briedis (28-2, 20 KOs) to get the nod on the scorecards.
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A win for Pampellone – a natural light heavyweight – or Francis would put them in the top 15 of the IBF world rankings, qualifying them to take on Opetaia in his first title defense.
Under the rules of the IBF, Opetaia would not have to face a mandatory challenger for at least nine months, which would give Lonergan plenty of time to engage in a fight with Pampellone or even Francis, should he get mad at next Thursday. his compatriot New Zealand.
Pampellone, who is also promoted by leading Australian promoter Lonergan, knows Opetaia well as he has sparred with the Australian to help him prepare for his successful world title challenge.
Trained by Isaac Peach in western Auckland, 25-year-old Pampellone is one of the country’s top prospects and was a top amateur who lost a small decision to Olympic bronze medalist David Nyika in 2020.
Born in London, he moved with his family to New Zealand when he was 10 years old. He compiled a 45-7 record as an amateur and prefers to beat Francis, a 27-year-old Aucklander who lost his debut in 2017 but has racked up 12 wins and a draw since that setback.
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