Aberdeen Assassin Lee McAllister endured a mammoth 32-hour journey across five airports to win the WBO Inter-Continental title in Ghana.
The 39-year-old suffered delays in excess of 20 hours in travelling for a welterweight title showdown with Olaide Fijabi in Accra.
McAllister began his journey in Aberdeen before stops in Amsterdam (Netherlands), Casablanca (Morocco) and Abidjan (Ivory Coast).
When finally touching down, shattered and jet-lagged, in the Ghanaian capital McAllister’s luggage, and boxing gear, had gone missing.
Then on the night of the fight there were two power cuts at the Boxom Boxing Arena.
McAllister finally fought when a new generator was sourced – five hours later than planned at two in the morning.
Despite the catalogue of set-backs, the Aberdonian lifted the title with a second round stoppage of Nigerian Fijabi.
McAllister said: “The journey time was 32 hours.
“We were delayed due to strikes abroad and, by the time we got to Amsterdam, our flight had already left.
“From Amsterdam we then had to fly to Casablanca and then on to Abidjan.
“Over-night we then had to fly from Abidjan to Ghana. The journey took a lot out of me as I was so tired.
“It was quite stressful ahead of a fight.
“Then, when we landed in Ghana, our suitcases weren’t there so I had no boxing gear.
“By the day of the fight my suitcases and equipment still hadn’t arrived.
“A couple of the guys in Ghana got me boxing boots and new shorts made on the day especially for me.
“It was a lovely gesture.”
Two power black-outs hit the venue
McAllister stopped Fijabi in two minutes 49 seconds of round two to claim the belt.
The WBO Inter-Continental welterweight title has previously been held by Kell Brook and Frankie Gavin.
Also travelling to Ghana with McAllister was fellow boxer Christianne O’Fathaigh, who also won by second round stoppage.
Having been gifted boxing kit, McAllister was ready for the title fight – only to suffer another set-back.
He said: “There were two power black-outs at the venue as well. Everything conked out.
“I was supposed to fight at nine o’clock, but didn’t get on until two in the morning.
“The show was delayed for hours until they could get back-up generators.
“During that time I sat at the side of the ring with my boxing boots and shorts on ready to go.
“Thankfully someone came to the rescue by finding a generator so that myself and Christianne got our fights.”
Early stoppage in the Ghanaian heat
Prior to facing McAllister for the WBO Inter-Continental belt, Fijabi boasted a pro record of 16 wins, eight by knock-out.
Former African Boxing Union super-lightweight champion Fijabi had suffered just one defeat priro to losing to McAllister.
That loss was to undefeated American Montana Love (16 wins, no losses, one draw) in June last year.
McAllister revealed he planned to finish the fight early due to the searing heat.
Even though it was 2am, the mercury was still in excess of 25 degrees.
McAllister said: “My plan was to break him down and then take him out before the sixth round if possible due to the heat.
“I didn’t expect to win the fight as quickly.
“The first round was a little cautious then I stepped it up in the second.
“I caught him with a clean shot which he walked on to and it smashed him on the top of the head.
“I landed a cracking shot and had hit him with a few body shots as well.
“After the travelling situation, I produced a good performance.
“Lesser fighters than myself would have been distracted by the whole ordeal.
“I just got on with it and got the job done.”
Offers to fight in India and the USA
It is the second time McAllister has fought in Accra, having won the Ghanaian title there in March last year.
He secured that title with a third-round stoppage of Ghana’s Korley Collison.
McAllister was eligible to fight for the Ghanaian title as he has citizenship in the African nation due to charity work.
Multiple-weight champion McAllister revealed he has had offers to fight overseas again, in two different continents.
However he could yet box in the Granite City this summer.
He said: “I have had offers in America and in India to fight.
“The original plan was to be fighting back in Aberdeen towards the end of July.”
