The trainer of Wasiru ‘Gyatabi’ Mohammed, Lartekwei Lartey, is hopeful his fighter can clinch the World Boxing Organisation (WBO) super bantamweight title when given the nod.
Lartekwei told the Graphic Sports last Friday that the WBO Global titlist would be a threat and was in a better position to dethrone champion Angelo Leo should he get the opportunity.
Wasiru is ranked sixth by the WBO, having won the African and Global titles in the last three years. He defeated Isaac Sackey in a grudge fight to win the continental belt in October 2018 before knocking out Loren Japhet to clinch the international crown.
The 24-year-old has been out of the ring since defeating John Amuzu of Benin in January this year. Since then, Wasiru is yet to make an appearance after boxing activities were cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak in the country.
“Wasiru is a threat to any fighter he meets,” Lartey told the Graphic Sports.
He added: “I think he will take his opportunity against Angelo Leo when given the chance. He is in a better position to dethrone the champion and I believe all that matters is for him to stay active in order to be in shape.”
Early in the year, Leo beat Tramaine Williams in 12 rounds to win the vacant WBO super bantamweight belt following Emanuel Navarrete’s decision to move up in weight.
The American was billed to fight Stephen Fulton Jnr but the latter tested positive for coronavirus a few days to the bout, forcing Leo to slug it out with a different opponent.
Leo is expected to make his first defence against mandatory challenger Fulton Jnr early next year. Their upcoming bout could delay Wasiru’s hope of an immediate challenge for the belt.
He must focus on keeping in shape by staying active in the division in order to stand a chance of challenging for the WBO title.
By: Bernard Neequaye