NBB of C Wishes Kayode Well In WBO Bout Tonight

Boxing experts agree Lateef “Power” Kayode has all the tangible tools, including a very strong right hand, to become a star in the cruiserweight division (200 pounds), and the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control, NBBof C has wished him well in his quest to become a world champion.

Secretary General of the NBBof C, Remi Aboderin, who spoke on behalf of the board said the board is solidly behind the Nigerian boxer based in the United States of America, USA, and that they would have loved to be by the ringside to cheer him to victory but they won’t, due to logistics problems.

He is physically gifted and may make a name for himself as a heavyweight one day.

However, for the 28-year-old Kayode (16-0, 14 KOs) to take the next step in his career, he has to beat a certified title-challenger.

To do that, Kayode will need to have a firm grasp of the “sweet science” by displaying an abundance of technique and boxing acumen to go along with his electrified punches.

The man from Lagos, Nigeria, who works with one of the world’s greatest trainers in Freddie Roach, has a chance to confirm his place as a title contender tonight at the Chumash Casino Resort when he takes on Matt “Too Smooth” Godfrey in the 10-round main event.

Some boxing pundits say Kayode hasn’t shown enough progression as a boxer to day wear a title belt around his waist. Especially, his 10-round majority decision win over journeyman Nicholas Ianuzzi left many of his followers disappointed.

After tonight’s fight, many questions surrounding how far Kayode’s career can go will be answered.

And the fight won’t be a walk in the park for the boxer who now trains at the Wild Card Gym in Hollywood.

Kayode will have his hands full with Godfrey, the 2004 US Amateur Heavyweight champ.

Godfrey, 30, has fought on big stages and for titles, losing to current WBO Cruiserweight title-holder Marco Huck in a fifth-round technical knockout last August.

Kayode’s manager Steve Feder said the boxer is coming off of his best training camp, peaking at just the right time.

“I think it is the most important fight of his career,” Feder said. “It’s a transition fight. He’s a prospect and now he will have to turn into a contender.”

Feder, who is a screenwriter in Los Angeles, met Kayode on a whim several years ago and Roach agreed to train him after being impressed with his raw power.

For this fight, Feder says Kayode and his camp has tremendous respect for Godfrey, adding that they could’ve chosen a much softer opponent.