Commonwealth Boxing Bout: NBB of C Commends Kareem

Nigeria Boxing Board of Control, NBB of C, has commended Yakubu Kareem for defeating Ghana’s Cobina Johnson to become the new Commonwealth Super Flyweight champion.

The Lagos State-born pugilist aborted the dream of his West African opponent by knocking him out in the 7th round in a bout decided in Accra, Ghana, at the weekend. Secretary General of the NBB of C, Remi Aboderin, who was by the ringside to cheer the Nigerian hitman to victory, told P.M. Sports that he was overjoyed when he saw Kareem knock out his Ghanaian opponent.

“I am very happy with Kareem’s performance today (Saturday). It is a well-deserved victory and I hope he will continue to do Lagos State and the entire country proud. I said before the bout that he would beat the Ghanaian and I am not surprised that he has done exactly that today,” said Aboderin yesterday.

The boxing scribe said further that the Nigerian pugilist did not get the victory on a platter of gold, but through hard work.

hard before he could overcome the Ghanaian boxer.

“It was hard work that gave Kareem victory. He has the determination to excel and he was prepared to go to any length to achieve his goal. That was the reason I had the conviction before the bout that he was going to come out victorious,” said the boxing scribe.

Aboderin said the board will present the belt to the Governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Fashola, on arriving the country from Ghana.

“We all know that Yakubu is a full-blooded Lagosian. His victory is also for Lagos State since he comes from the state. As a result of that, we hope to present the belt to Governor Fashola when we return to Nigeria,” said Aboderin.

—Bimbo Ajayi