AFTER his recent outing on the Tyson Fury-John McDermott bill, this week I'm going to look at Larry Olubamiwo. The Hackney man currently has a 9-1 (8) record, with six of his eight stoppage victims going in the first round, which is an obvious sign that “War Machine” can punch.

His latest victory, an opening-round stoppage of Dave Ferguson, gave Larry his best scalp to date and showed that, while still developing, he is starting to bring a little more technique and composure into his game. Although it may seem strange to come to that conclusion on the basis of one minute 52 seconds’ worth of action, anyone who had previously seen Olubamiwo would agree he was trying to stay a little more composed and not rush in and try to just overwhelm Ferguson, as he had been guilty of in the past.

His sole defeat came over six rounds to Daniel Peret, who had visited these shores previously to take on Scott Belshaw, John McDermott, Derek Chisora and Tyson Fury, and has since been back in with David Price and Tom Dallas. Although Peret is very much in the journeyman category, he always comes and gives a very good account of himself, and of all those previously named, only Mr Fury managed to get rid of him inside the distance, on cuts, so at that level he is a good test.

Having been ringside to witness his second fight against Dave Ingleby, I got the impression that I think many fans get when they see Olubamiwo, and that is of how physically big and strong he looks. You get the feeling that he could win a fight without throwing a punch, such is his intimidating presence. He has the sort of physical attributes you would ask for if you we’re designing your perfect heavyweight – he’s athletic, solidly built, quick for his size, and has KO power in both hands (his right uppercut is an especially damaging weapon, and has accounted for quite a few of his victims to date). But when all the fighting is done he’s one of the nicest guys you could ever meet. I recently had the pleasure of his company as a CNP athlete at the recent BodyPower event in Birmingham and he is a true gentleman.

Olubamiwo boxed at the famous Repton club as an amateur, so he will have been schooled well there, but I think in the past he has relied on his power a little too much, whereas I think since the Peret setback, he has realised that not everyone can be overwhelmed. So he took it upon himself to go to the Wild Card Gym and train under the expert eye of one of the best trainers in boxing, Freddie Roach. And the feedback Larry got was good. Freddie was impressed with him and this has given Larry a huge confidence boost, which will have done his cause no harm.

Larry is the sort of fighter who wants to learn, he understands what he needs to improve on and under trainer James Cook I think that he will. I feel that if he learns to contain his aggression a little more, especially when he has his opponent hurt or on the defensive, he will be halfway there. With his height and reach, he should get a good solid jab going to set up that booming right hand, and it will set him on the road to becoming a more complete fighter, and a formidable force.

The domestic division at British level or below is pretty hot at the moment, plus we have David Haye sat on the top of the pile, so there are some mouthwatering fights to be made in the near future between Price, Dallas, Chisora, Fury and Sam Sexton and Olubamiwo can be right in the mix.

With someone as powerful as Olubamiwo, it will probably take a little longer to iron out the creases, because it’s hard to get opponents who can stay in there for a prolonged period, but if he’s matched right over the next 12 months with people who are going to give him the experience and rounds he needs, then there's every possibility that he can make enough improvements to make a big impact on the domestic scene. His power is must-see viewing which makes him versus any of the aforementioned fighters an attractive proposition.

I’d certainly buy a ticket.