Lucas Matthysse-Ajose Olusegun: WBC mandatory finally gets a chance

On the outside: Olusegen has been overlooked by the WBC for nearly a year

By Peter Wells: Ajose Olusegun unfortunatley went along the wrong path on route to a world title. Had he been ranked mandatory challenger by the WBA, IBF or WBO he may have had his shot at the main title by now. Instead the the laughable WBC have offered him nothing for nearly the past 12 months after defeating Ali Chebah in a WBC Light Welterweight title elimination. Now though he has been given a shot. But, if you were thinking he had a shot at the main WBC title, you are obviously wrong. Firstly he isn't Mexican, so the joke that is Jose Sulimain won't give him the shot he merits.

Firstly Danny Garcia was given a shot at the title held by Erik Morales. Morales is a legand coming out of retirement but was given the title for no other reason than because he was Mexican. Exactly the same as Julio Cesar Chavez Jr at Middleweight, whom many would believe is promoted by the WBC president due to the amount of times he's protected from fighting mandatory challenger Sergio Martinez, who he finally squares off with next weekend. After Garcia beat Morales, Ajose should have been given the shot he had qualified for. Instead the WBC screwed him other again, giving Amir Khan a shot after his fight had just collapsed against Lamont Peterson. So surely now Olusegun should get his shot at Garcia's title. No! Erik Morales used his rematch clause to set the most pointless world title fight of the year.

Ajose instead had to settle for the WBC Interim title, and his opponent is in my eyes a much tougher opponent than WBC champion Danny Garcia would have been. Lucas Matthysse is a ferocious puncher who is unlucky to have two defeats on his record after losing controversially to both Zab Judah and Devon Alexander.



Dominant: Olusegun was in control against Ali Chebah

A win though for Ajose would be massive. Not only will he have beaten one of the best Light Welterweight's in the world, but after Randall Bailey's injury cancelled his main event fight with Devon Alexander, Olusegun vs Matthysse has been promoted to main event. So what a way to show the world how good you are, and to step out of the shadows into a very bright division.

Olusegun's opponents haven't been at the same level as Matthysse's but he has quality written all over him. He's eased past all his opponents and will hope his slick boxing and long arms will help him fend of the dangerous fists of Matthysse.

Matthysse has had problems at times, fighting opponents who fight on the outside. When Devon Alexander circulled the Argentinian while regularly flicking out his speedy jab he was causing the big puncher problems. Alexander though didn't seem to be able to hold of his opponent to stop him getting on the inside. Devon got the decision but was very fortunate to do so.

Olusegun will be hungry for this victory and will fight the fight of his life, but Lucas can close the ring down like few fighters can. I expect the fight to last the distance but Matthysse should get the nod in an entertaining fight.