Eddie Hearn has high hopes for Teremoana Teremoana. The Australian heavyweight looked spectacular on the Gold Coast this week, making DeAndre Savage his 12th straight victim, all inside two rounds.
Olympic rivalry renewed
Teremoana lost to Bakhodir Jalolov in the Paris quarter-finals two years ago, but appears to be adapting to the professional ranks quicker than the double Olympic champion. Part of that is due to Jalolov contesting two Olympic cycles. Now guided by Queensberry Promotions, who have arguably the best crop of heavyweights in the world, the giant Uzbek will be looking to get things moving.
Teremoana is part of rival Matchroom's stable, adding to the competitive dynamic and dangling the prospect of a world title rematch between the two Olympians down the line. Jalolov had just too much experience for Teremoana over three rounds in Paris, but that won't mean much should they meet in the pro ring.
Hearn's ambitious timeline
Matchroom chief Eddie Hearn is talking about a world title shot at the back end of next year for Teremoana. That is ambitious even for a ruthless finisher like him. Bigger tests will come, but he is certainly exciting. At 28, he looks set to forge a big career.
Teremoana has the power to take out anyone and looks really organised behind the jab. The fundamentals are excellent. He follows through after landing a big shot, stays on top of his opponent, and throws great combinations.
Polynesian heavyweight prospect
Excellent Polynesian fighters have been seen before, but a heavyweight from the south seas as exciting as this is rare. Joseph Parker, a former world champion, has all the tools but never looked as explosive as Teremoana appears. David Tua had a decent career, yet he was eight inches shorter and stocky, the opposite of this guy, who stands 6ft 6ins and weighs 19 stones.
Though there are some terrific athletes from the region, most look to rugby to forge a professional sports career. Teremoana could put a serious dent in that tradition. The importance of rugby in New Zealand, where many of the Polynesian community play, is known, but not even the great All Blacks bank what Teremoana will earn should he go all the way.
Proving ground ahead
It's still early, of course. The elite guys are not easy to hit, and they can take a shot. Hearn thinks Teremoana is five more fights from a title shot. To make good on that claim, Teremoana, like every prospect coming through, must prove himself against opponents good enough to fire back.
