Kevin Sadjo Draws Attention From Heffron And Chelli

In a recent clash for the WBO inter-continental super middleweight title, Kevin Sadjo emerged victorious over Sven Elbir, the German challenger, winning by stoppage. This victory has put him in the radar of British contenders, Zak Chelli and Mark Heffron.

Sadjo hit the ground running in this bout, using a series of right hooks that floored Elbir in the opening round. His deployment of jabs and lead hooks in the second round were precise and deadly, although Elbir, instead of resorting to a defensive stance, chose to fight back aggressively.

In the third round, Elbir demonstrated some defensive prowess, successfully evading risky positions in the ring and deflecting some of Sadjo’s powerful hooks with his gloves. However, as the fourth round progressed, it became increasingly difficult for Elbir to dodge Sadjo’s attacks. Sadjo’s unyielding pressure was wearing Elbir down and his hopes in the match were gradually dimming. By the fifth round, Elbir was initiating more clinches, seemingly to catch his breath and fend off Sadjo’s relentless assault.

Sadjo’s initial attacks to the body had taken their toll by the sixth round, resulting in Elbir’s legs losing their flexibility. A flurry of left hooks and overhand rights sent Elbir staggering onto the ropes. Elbir was left clinging to Sadjo by the end of that round, a clear sign that his defeat was imminent. In the seventh round, Sadjo delivered a left hook that shattered Elbir’s defenses, sending him crashing to the mat. The French fighter then launched a barrage of unreturned punches against Elbir, who was up against the ropes.

In order to prevent any further damage, the referee intervened and ended the match, marking another stoppage win for Sadjo. This has elevated his unblemished record to 20 wins, with 18 coming by way of knockout.

The next fight on Sadjo’s calendar is a defense of his European title against Giovanni De Carolis, with purse bids slated for June 6th.

Heffron And Chelli Have Both Set Their Sights On Kevin Sadjo

Mark Heffron revealed to me last year that he had held discussions about fighting Sadjo with his promoter, Frank Warren. Since that interview, Heffron has been mandated to defend his British super-middleweight title against Zak Chelli. Boxxer won the purse bid and the contest has recently been moved to the 1st of July Sky Sports show in Manchester.

Nonetheless, Heffron reiterated to JTH boxing that he has still ‘got his eyes set on Sadjo’ and if he has no injuries against Chelli, he’d be ‘happy to go into the Sadjo fight within 8 to 10 weeks.’ Heffron’s manager, Kevin Maree confirmed to No Smoke Sport that he was ‘absolutely interested’ in putting Heffron in with Sadjo, after Chelli.

However, one man is also keen on the fight with Sadjo – Chelli. His team told No Smoke Sport that he would like to fight the Frenchman, as well. So, it seems likely that the Heffron Chelli fight will effectively serve as a final eliminator for Sadjo’s European super-middleweight title. A belt that Sadjo won on British soil against Jack Cullen back in 2021, when he infamously celebrated his 6th round stoppage with press-ups in the ring.

By Harry Duffy

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