Teremoana Jnr continued his rapid rise through the heavyweight ranks with another devastating performance, stopping DeAndre Savage inside two rounds on Australia’s Gold Coast.
The former Olympian entered the fight with a growing reputation as one of the heavyweight division’s most promising young talents. Representing his Cook Islands heritage and fighting in honour of his grandfather’s name, Teremoana immediately looked to establish his power.
The 6ft 6in heavyweight applied pressure from the opening bell and repeatedly searched for his long right hand. His speed, timing and punching power quickly put Savage on the back foot.
Savage offered little resistance during the opening round, spending much of the final minute moving backwards as Teremoana controlled the action and found his range.
The American survived the first three minutes, but the momentum was firmly with the Australian. From Flint, Michigan, Savage faced an even tougher challenge when the second round began.
Teremoana stepped up the pressure and connected with a powerful right hand. Savage attempted to hold on, but another right hand soon sent him crashing to the canvas.
Savage looked towards his corner as he searched for some form of encouragement, but he remained on his knee as the referee completed the count. The official stoppage came at 1:26 of the second round.
The victory moves the Matchroom-promoted heavyweight to 12-0, with every one of his professional wins coming by knockout.
“I’m very proud to represent our people on the world stage,” Teremoana said after the victory. “It was awesome. This is my first main event, and Eddie Hearn is going to take me all the way to the top.”
The 12-0 heavyweight also believes he has shown greater patience as his professional career has developed.
“Everyone can see I’m a bit more patient. I was hoping he was going to get up, but I’m looking forward to the challenges to come.”
Teremoana also suggested that he could feature on a major future event headlined by Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury.
“I think what I’ve heard is I should be on the AJ-Fury undercard. That’s the old generation and we’re the new generation.”
Promoter Eddie Hearn believes the time has now come to increase the level of opposition facing his heavyweight prospect.
“Teremoana’s too good,” Hearn said. “You saw the fear on Savage’s face. As soon as he landed, his eyes were popping out of his head. He didn’t want to get up, but we need to find someone that will get up because this is all part of the progression and all part of the journey.”
Hearn also praised Teremoana’s ability to change a fight with a single punch.
“He’s a tremendous fighter, and as soon as he lands, the fight changes.”
Savage leaves the contest with his record dropping to 11-2, including 11 knockouts, while Teremoana Jnr continues his unbeaten march towards the top of the heavyweight division.
