Ezra Arenyeka’s time was impeccable.
Just two days before his fight with Leon Willings, Ben Whittaker was holding a hearing on the punishment of those who call him out when an unknown but undefeated lightweight heavyweight rushed forward and interrupted him mid-attack with a tirade of insults.
Yes, Arenyeka’s decision to interrupt his press conference and start fighting the Olympic silver medalist was bold, risky and speculative, but it was also calculated and the culmination of a long plan. The two will fight on Saturday evening at Selhurst Park.
“The thing is, Ben has been on my mind for two or three years. I actually made a video two years ago after one of my fights where I challenged Ben,” Arenyeka, 12-0 (10 KO), told BoxingScene. “We were just starting out as professionals and in the film I said, ‘Let’s build our careers and then we can make it happen.’ I never posted it. When I saw him gain so much popularity after the Khalid Gradia fight, I thought it was the perfect time to do it and that’s why I did it.
Arenyeka’s trip was a success. He went to London as another unknown hope. By the time he returned north to his home in Sale, Greater Manchester, video of his invasion was circulating on social media, providing manna from heaven to Whittaker’s promoter, Boxxer and Sky Sports News.
Nevertheless, Whittaker (7-0 (5 KO)) is a top-class prospect whom observers expect to be strengthened. Arenyeka could reveal himself, but he would have to wait to find out if his outburst was enough to thwart previously established plans and give him a chance.
“Did I expect this? Yes. Because of my records and the theatrics when I go out there and call him out. Promoters love it. It’s uncomplicated for them to sell the fight. My ranking is good, my record is good and the title fight is great. We are now fighting for WBA gold. Part of me – 80 percent – thought it would happen immediately. The remaining 20 percent were not sure,” he said.
“When I started boxing, this was what I dreamed about. Boxing on the biggest stage and getting my name out there. It’s about me. This isn’t about Ben. It’s about Ezra Aranyenko.
“I’m going to find out who I am. I will find out if this sport is for me. I trained difficult. I did everything necessary. God’s will, I will go up. “
God’s will has brought Arenyeka to this point.
At the age of 14 he left Nigeria for America, where he lived in Georgia before moving to the UK at the age of 17. He studied at the University of East Anglia and obtained a PhD in business administration and management. He took up boxing to earn money for charity and fought as an amateur for a compact period, becoming the Elite Counties Elite Champion.
Now 28, Arenyeka has been a fixture at Manchester boxing clubs for years, but has spent his professional career traveling around the world. Arenyeka has boxed in Nigeria, England, the Netherlands, Ghana and Colombia.
Britain has a wealth of talented lightweight heavyweights, but Arenyeka kept his eyes on Whittaker throughout his travels. The plan he implemented two years ago has come to fruition.
“Why not someone else? Because Ben is one of the best prospects in the world right now. He is one of the most popular fighters and currently one of the most celebrated for his performances in the ring,” he said. “People know him. If you can fight it and make contact with it, you will gain some attention for yourself. It’s not just about Ben. It’s about Ezra. It’s about my professional career.”
Arenyeka is a wise man. Although only three of his opponents have lasted longer than four rounds, he knows that to break Whittaker physically this weekend, he must first break him mentally.
It will not be uncomplicated. The years the 27-year-old spent flying around the world fighting in elite international amateur tournaments obviously sharpened his boxing skills to the point where he was able to win an Olympic silver medal, but also gave him bulletproof self-confidence and the highest quality confidence. Whittaker’s performances make headlines, but he is also an extremely difficult worker.
Arenyeka’s unwavering faith may come from a variety of sources, but his life experiences have provided him with ample evidence that maintaining desire and determination can assist him achieve his goals.
The chances of him getting to this stage were infinitesimal, but he did it. He won’t stop believing now.
“As Mike Tyson says, everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face. I’m only going there to win. I’m going there to take him. That’s the plan,” he said.
“I will be a professional. The best man – – will win. I have the power, so half the fight is already behind me.
“I think there are some gigantic differences. There is one power. Will is different. Determination is another thing. These three things put together put me at the top.
“At the end of the day, it’s a fight. Skills can only take you so far and are dependent on will. I have a heart. Does he have a heart? I don’t know. We’ll find out on June 15vol.
“Winning means a lot to me. It’s changing my life and putting me on the map. It gives me better opportunities. The world will know me. For me everything is on track. That’s why I gave it my all and that’s why there will be no let-up on fight night. I’ll be on it.
“I’m betting on victory and knockout. I won’t leave it to the judges. On that day everything will be decided.”
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