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DaMazion Vanhouter Set to Face Raphael Akpejiori on Under-card of Garcia-Benn Fight
At the heart of Las Vegas’s biggest under‑card, 21‑year‑old American heavyweight Da’Mazion Vanhouter will step into the ring on Saturday, September 12, 2026, to face Nigerian powerhouse Raphael Akpejiori. The bout, scheduled for eight rounds, will be streamed live on Paramount+ and is billed as the biggest opportunity a rising prospect could hope for.
Vanhouter enters the arena with an unblemished 12‑0 professional record, nine of those victories coming by knockout, according to BoxRec. The 6‑2, 187‑cm fighter boasts a 193‑cm (76‑inch) reach and is promoted by Zuffa Boxing. The promotion’s X account described the matchup as “probably the biggest opportunity somebody coming up could get,” noting that Vanhouter is eager to showcase his skills on a major stage.
Opposing him is Nigerian heavyweight Raphael Akpejiori, who stands 19‑3 on the record and has 18 knockouts to his name. Akpejiori is 6‑8 (193 cm) with an 84‑inch (213 cm) reach, making the fight Vanhouter’s first test against a fighter with a significantly larger frame and a high knockout percentage.
Vanhouter has framed the encounter as the “biggest test” of his career. In a tweet from the Zuffa Boxing account, he said, “I know he’s 6‑8, and I know he’s 19‑3. I don’t really see any threats, though. I expect for him to come out stronger and faster than what he’s been before. But, other than that, I’m prepared for whatever he comes with.”
The under‑card fight will be part of a card that also features Ryan Garcia’s WBC welterweight title defense against Conor Benn. The event, announced by Zuffa on August 2, will take place at the T‑Mobile Arena, a venue that has hosted multiple high‑profile combat sports events and is known for its state‑of‑the‑art facilities.
Vanhouter’s recent performances under Zuffa have included a third‑round technical knockout of 7‑3 heavyweight Julian Gomez and a first‑round TKO of 18‑1 Raphael Murphy. These victories have reinforced his reputation as a powerful puncher, a trait he hopes to leverage against Akpejiori.
In interviews, Vanhouter has emphasized his desire to differentiate himself from other heavyweights. He said, “I’m different because these heavyweights are all one‑dimensional. I’ve got different styles they haven’t seen yet, so I’m excited to showcase that.” He also noted that he is “trying to hurt him. I just want to hurt him,” indicating a focus on a decisive finish.
The prospect has outlined a long‑term plan to face world‑class opposition in the coming years. He stated, “I’m just following my team – whatever they tell me, however they push me, however they want me to go, that’s how I’m gonna go.” His goal is to position himself for a world title shot and to bring heavyweight boxing back to American cards.
Vanhouter has also reflected on lessons from recent heavyweight bouts, citing the fight between Croatian veteran Filip Hrgović and English prospect Moses Itauma. He said, “My game plan stays the same for every fight. But I learned from now on that you’ve got to be able to gauge your gas pedal better… You can’t take everybody out.”
The fight will be broadcast on Paramount+, and tickets for the main event remain on sale, though the under‑card is expected to draw interest from fans eager to see a rising heavyweight contender.
In summary, Da’Mazion Vanhouter will face Raphael Akpejiori on September 12, 2026, in an eight‑round bout on the under‑card of the Garcia‑Benn fight at T‑Mobile Arena. The match will test Vanhouter’s power and skill against a larger, experienced opponent and could serve as a stepping‑stone toward higher‑profile fights in the heavyweight division.
Vanhouter enters the arena with an unblemished 12‑0 professional record, nine of those victories coming by knockout, according to BoxRec. The 6‑2, 187‑cm fighter boasts a 193‑cm (76‑inch) reach and is promoted by Zuffa Boxing. The promotion’s X account described the matchup as “probably the biggest opportunity somebody coming up could get,” noting that Vanhouter is eager to showcase his skills on a major stage.
Opposing him is Nigerian heavyweight Raphael Akpejiori, who stands 19‑3 on the record and has 18 knockouts to his name. Akpejiori is 6‑8 (193 cm) with an 84‑inch (213 cm) reach, making the fight Vanhouter’s first test against a fighter with a significantly larger frame and a high knockout percentage.
Vanhouter has framed the encounter as the “biggest test” of his career. In a tweet from the Zuffa Boxing account, he said, “I know he’s 6‑8, and I know he’s 19‑3. I don’t really see any threats, though. I expect for him to come out stronger and faster than what he’s been before. But, other than that, I’m prepared for whatever he comes with.”
The under‑card fight will be part of a card that also features Ryan Garcia’s WBC welterweight title defense against Conor Benn. The event, announced by Zuffa on August 2, will take place at the T‑Mobile Arena, a venue that has hosted multiple high‑profile combat sports events and is known for its state‑of‑the‑art facilities.
Vanhouter’s recent performances under Zuffa have included a third‑round technical knockout of 7‑3 heavyweight Julian Gomez and a first‑round TKO of 18‑1 Raphael Murphy. These victories have reinforced his reputation as a powerful puncher, a trait he hopes to leverage against Akpejiori.
In interviews, Vanhouter has emphasized his desire to differentiate himself from other heavyweights. He said, “I’m different because these heavyweights are all one‑dimensional. I’ve got different styles they haven’t seen yet, so I’m excited to showcase that.” He also noted that he is “trying to hurt him. I just want to hurt him,” indicating a focus on a decisive finish.
The prospect has outlined a long‑term plan to face world‑class opposition in the coming years. He stated, “I’m just following my team – whatever they tell me, however they push me, however they want me to go, that’s how I’m gonna go.” His goal is to position himself for a world title shot and to bring heavyweight boxing back to American cards.
Vanhouter has also reflected on lessons from recent heavyweight bouts, citing the fight between Croatian veteran Filip Hrgović and English prospect Moses Itauma. He said, “My game plan stays the same for every fight. But I learned from now on that you’ve got to be able to gauge your gas pedal better… You can’t take everybody out.”
The fight will be broadcast on Paramount+, and tickets for the main event remain on sale, though the under‑card is expected to draw interest from fans eager to see a rising heavyweight contender.
In summary, Da’Mazion Vanhouter will face Raphael Akpejiori on September 12, 2026, in an eight‑round bout on the under‑card of the Garcia‑Benn fight at T‑Mobile Arena. The match will test Vanhouter’s power and skill against a larger, experienced opponent and could serve as a stepping‑stone toward higher‑profile fights in the heavyweight division.
