Eddie Hearn is ready to find out whether Australia’s next big heavyweight hope is the real deal.
And he has picked a very dangerous Kiwi to do it.
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Teremoana Teremoana will headline a Matchroom card against Hemi Ahio in Melbourne on November 18, putting his perfect record on the line against an opponent his team had initially earmarked for next year.
The Aussie has won all 12 of his professional fights by knockout, with nobody surviving beyond the second round.
But in Ahio, who boasts 25 wins, one defeat and 19 knockouts, Hearn believes he has found someone who can ask the questions Teremoana’s previous opponents could not.
Speaking to Main Event, the promoter revealed the trans-Tasman showdown represented an acceleration of the towering heavyweight’s development.
“We spoke to Teremoana’s team management and they were like, ‘We looked at Hemi as a guy that we would be facing in spring or summer of 2027’,” Hearn said.
“Being honest, that was the development and the trajectory for Teremoana.
“But we got to a point where he’s bowling them over in the first and second round. Teremoana needs a test. He needs someone in front of him that’s dangerous.”
Ahio was an opponent Hearn had also considered for top Australian heavyweight Justis Huni.
Now he gets the chance to derail another Aussie’s world title ambitions.
“He’s yet to hear the bell for the third round,” Hearn said of Teremoana.
“Every heavyweight with experience will be thinking they’ve got to take this guy into deep waters. Is Hemi the guy to do it?
“He has incredible experience, just the one defeat, which he avenged, so he’s effectively beat everyone he ever fought. He’s a big puncher.”
Hearn has made no secret of his belief that Teremoana can become a heavyweight world champion.
But he also knows the time has come to give fans more than another early finish against an overmatched visitor.
“I think for a while now the fans start to go, ‘Let’s see it’,” he said.
“We see all this hype and we see all these first-round knockouts, second-round knockouts. Let’s see the step up, and that comes here.”
For Hearn, whose stable has included superstar Anthony Joshua, the excitement extends beyond what Teremoana can do with his collosal fists.
The hair, the dancing, the personality and the pride in his Australian and Cook Islands heritage have convinced him the heavyweight has the makings of a global attraction.
“This is probably the most excited I’ve ever been, certainly since Anthony Joshua, in the heavyweight division,” Hearn said.
“You’ve got a guy that has all the charisma and personality to not just be a huge star in Australia, but a global star.”
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Teremoana, meanwhile, needed little convincing.
Speaking to Main Event’s Ben Damon, he said learning Ahio’s name had only sharpened his appetite for the assignment.
“It’s going to be the toughest opponent I’ve had to date,” Teremoana said.
“But as I’ve been saying, it’s going to be another day in my office. I plan to be the best in the world, and this is just another opportunity for me to prove that.”
The Aussie had already returned to the gym after his most recent win over DeAndre Savage, preparing before an opponent was confirmed.
Now he has a target – and a clear understanding of the danger.
“When it comes to the heavyweight division, I take everyone seriously because in this division, one punch can change everything,” he said.
Ahio was ringside for the Savage fight and came away impressed by Teremoana’s speed and ability to set up his punches.
But he believes his own experience can make the difference when they meet.
“I know he’s got a few things over me,” Ahio said.
“He’s got an amateur career on me. He’s got height, but I think I’ve got the experience.”
Teremoana accepts that Ahio knows how to navigate the rounds.
Whether he gets the chance is another matter.
“He hasn’t been in the ring with someone like me before,” Teremoana said.
“I’m a whole other kettle of fish.”
Still, the Aussie insists he is preparing for more than another quick night.
“I’m prepared to go rounds,” he said.
“Been doing the rounds in the gym, doing the hard work, doing the conditioning.”
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The Melbourne headliner will be his second, with his world title ambitions firmly in view.
“I plan to take our flag to the world stage, but I can’t get there unless I get through Hemi November 18,” Teremoana said.
Ahio’s parting message was just as clear.
“I’m coming to take everything that he’s got and double down on it.”