Light Heavyweight Bob Ajisafe Stays Patient as He Plots a Route to the Top

Despite seeing his hopes of becoming Commonwealth champion dashed for now, Bob Ajisafe still managed to raise a smile.

Sitting at the top table for a press conference ahead of Matchroom’s bill at the First Direct Arena in Leeds, England on April 11, the light heavyweight found himself on the periphery of proceedings.

Ajisafe will be in action in his home city, turning out in a six-rounder on the undercard to keep himself busy. However, that was not the original plan.

He had been set for a moment in the spotlight, only for a planned fight for the vacant Commonwealth title against Kenyan Daniel Wanyonyi to be called off at late notice due to visa issues.

The postponement was a setback for Ajisafe, but he took it in his stride: “I just have to stay focused. Hopefully in the next month or so we can get something rescheduled. That is the hope.”

Having to be patient is nothing new for the 29-year-old.

Ajisafe started his professional career towards the end of 2007 but has had just the 16 fights in nearly eight years, compiling a 14-2 (5 KO) record.

Along the way there has been several periods of inactivity, something you would not expect when a boxer is looking to make a name for himself.

He had just one solitary outing in both 2010 and 2011, while he was made to wait to get a crack at the British title after moving himself into the position of mandatory challenger.

And yet, despite all the frustrating moments, despite all the bouts that haven't quite happened, Ajisafe is still smiling.

“It’s taken this amount of time for people to see the light, as well as me to get the right fights," he said.

“I was waiting, I think it was over a year, as the mandatory for the British title before the Dean Francis fight (a fight he won on points in March, 2014).

“Then there were other fights made, only for people to pull out. They didn’t want to fight me, they just wanted to avoid me.

“I didn’t have the boost of a big promoter. People didn’t recognise the skill and the talent. Now things have changed."

Ajisafe, who turned down the offer to face Hosea Burton as a late replacement after Wanyonyi's withdrawal, per Boxing News, is determined to eventually claim the Commonwealth title at the second attempt.

His first tilt saw him lose on points to Tony Bellew in 2010, though since then he has been crowned English and British champion at the weight limit.

“People seem to forget I’ve been at this level for a long time,” he replied when asked about that bout with Bellew, who was knocked down in the fourth round but ended up a comfortable winner on the scorecards.

“I’ve already boxed for the Commonwealth title once. I gave a good account of myself on that occasion. But that was (nearly) five years ago now.

“I think I’m the best domestically. I want to move on now and progress. I wanted to add the Commonwealth title and then look at a potential world title shot.

“I want to win things, there’s no need to hang about. If other kids want to test themselves for domestic honours, let them compete among themselves.

“I’ve had stints of inactivity, but now I’m back on top and wanting to establish myself as not just a major player in British boxing but also on the world scene.

“Fighters need to be kept busy. It was frustrating for me, but now I’m trying to make up for lost time.”

Ajisafe—the Lionheart of Leeds—is determined to roar his way to the top and show that good things really do come to those who wait.

Rob Lancaster is a featured columnist for Bleacher Report. Unless otherwise noted, all quotations in this article were obtained via interview.