Emanuel Odiase’s name has been buzzing loudly in boxing circles, often heralded as the next Tyson Fury. With his imposing size, surprising mobility, and evident knockout power, the comparison is easy to make. 

But Odiase is quick to dismiss the label and has loftier ambitions. He wants to be remembered not as a Fury clone but as a man who followed in the footsteps of Muhammad Ali.

‘Why do people always say I’m a Tyson Fury replica?’ he laughs. ‘I know it’s going to sound outrageous, but my idol is Muhammad Ali. When I think about who I want to be like, I think of Ali. I’m not watching Tyson Fury to see what he’s doing. He’s a great fighter, don’t get me wrong – no disrespect at all – but when I watch anyone, I watch Muhammad Ali.’

‘Ali wasn’t just a boxer,’ Emanuel reflects. ‘He was a champion inside and outside the ring. That’s the kind of impact I want to have, not just winning belts, but being remembered for what I stood for.’

What sets Odiase apart despite being so early on in his professional career is the extraordinary experience he’s gained. He was still an amateur when he first sparred Deontay Wilder – then the feared knockout king.

‘I was still an amateur when I sparred Wilder,’ he recalls. ‘Wilder was scary, powerful, a knockout monster. But I came out healthy and confident. That gave me belief in myself.’

Emanuel Odiase puts a kid through his paces during a charity day ahead of his next fight

His sparring resume reads like a heavyweight who’s been around forever: Anthony Joshua, Oleksandr Usyk, Dillian Whyte, Derek Chisora, and more.

‘That’s something you can’t buy,’ Odiase says. ‘Being in the ring with those guys taught me about timing, power, and mental toughness. It’s an education all on its own.’

This rare exposure shaped his mindset early. But his coach – whom he affectionately calls his ‘teacher,’ Joby Clayton – has reminded him they could be future opponents.

‘He always reminds me we’re not just here to be sparring partners anymore,’ Emanuel says. ‘Now we’re here to make history, to be world champions.’

A fellow heavyweight with Nigerian heritage, Anthony Joshua, has played a vital mentoring role in Odiase’s rise.

‘We first met in 2021 through sparring,’ Emanuel explains. ‘We stayed in touch on Snapchat, then WhatsApp. When I told him I wanted to turn pro, he connected me with his manager, Freddie Cunningham and now I am with 258.’

Odiase respects the demands on Joshua’s own career, understanding that advice and mentorship sometimes come in bursts.

‘He’s got a lot on his plate, so sometimes his replies are slow, but that’s no problem. He’s still one of the top fighters in the world, and I respect that.’

Odiase’s journey hasn’t been easy. Growing up with three older brothers in modest circumstances, he learned early the value of pressure and perseverance.

‘My father put a lot of pressure on us from a young age, even when I was playing football,’ he says. ‘If I didn’t score, he’d shout at me. That kind of pressure prepared me for the demands of boxing.’

But beyond money or fame, Odiase’s motivation is rooted in a deeper desire.

‘Money is part of it, but it’s never enough,’ he says. ‘For me, the bigger drive is to do something meaningful – to give back, to be a role model.’

His commitment to the community is already evident. During this week’s trip to Lagos, he visited local gyms and trained with young hopefuls.

‘I love it,’ he says warmly. ‘The kids are the future. If we don’t support them, what are we doing? I saw incredible talent. I joked with a nine-year-old, telling him one day I’ll take him overseas or help him thrive right here in Nigeria.’

Odiase believes faith and destiny have guided his journey.

‘I believe God has put me here for a reason,’ he says. ‘I’ve had moments that felt like signs. Once, I was on a flight from Alabama to Las Vegas to watch one of Deontay Wilder’s championship fights after good sparring with him. On the connecting flight, I met the man who would become one of my biggest investors – just sitting right next to me.’

He smiles, reflecting on the serendipity. ‘Some call it coincidence. I call it destiny. These moments confirm I’m on the right path.’

Wednesday’s fight against Idris Affini is a significant milestone. Co-main eventing one of the biggest African boxing cards in years brings pressure and opportunity.

‘There’s always pressure to perform,’ Odiase admits. ‘People expect knockouts from heavyweights, and I want to give the fans a show. But I’m not chasing the KO. It will come if I work for it. I’ll wait for the right moment to strike.’

He knows this bout is one chapter in a much bigger story.

‘This is important, yes. But it’s not the end goal. It’s part of my story, part of building a legacy.’