Marcos Nader, the city's long-time boxing figurehead and Bounce boss, wants to polish up the image of the ailing boxing sport. One example is his protégé Saun Salami.
The scandal surrounding Mansur Elsaev's European Championship fight, including the ring storm, is still in Marcos Nader's bones. “We have been trying for years to convey the values of our sport – respect and discipline. We influence the young people, make an effort – and then such a scandalous evening!” But Nader doesn't allow himself to be fooled and presents a positive example for his sport in the Vienna district newspaper interview: The development of Saun Salami...
A big figurehead
The 1,97 meter tall professional boxer comes from Nigeria and is one of the figureheads of the Ottakringer Bounce Club. At 90,7 kilos he is one of the heavyweights and has a professional record of eight wins with seven KOs. Therefore, as an Olympic amateur he has a record of 19 wins and four defeats. In 2019 he was state champion. Now the 27-year-old is waiting for his big opportunity in the professional business.
1,97 meter giant learns
He is currently in Düsseldorf and has been hired as a sparring partner for world-class boxers. All of Salami's opponents are in the top eight of the WBA, WBO and IBF rankings, including former European champion Agit Kabayel, who is preparing for a fight in Saudi Arabia. The Viennese completes four sparring sessions per week with 8:3 minute rounds and 30 second breaks. “I get a lot from sparring like this,” says Salami. “After the four-week training camp with world champion Oleksandr Usyk last year, I now have the chance to be in the ring with a top man again. I learn something new every day because you can only learn boxing through boxing!”
Thanks to Bounce
The still young Saun Salami knows what he gets from the Bounce boxing club: “I would like to thank my club and the Naders for the opportunity to compete with the best in the world. That’s how I know I’m on the right path.”
Current information on https://www.bounce.at/
