19th October, 2012
Two weights national champion, Isaac Ekpo, has recieved encomiums from the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control, NBB of C, as he beat to submission George Amuzu of Republic of Benin via a tecnical knockout to become the West Africa Boxing Union, WABU, Super Middleweight champion.
The Calabar-born pugilist, who has relocated to Ghana due to dearth of boxing activities in Nigeria, is the title holder of the national Super Middleweight and Light Heavyweight categories.
In a chat with Boxing In Focus, NBB of C scribe, Remi Aboderin, said Ekpo has added another feather to his cap by winning the West African title.
“I am not in the least surprised that Ekpo has become the WABU Super Middleweight champion. Ekpo is a very good boxer and I know that he will continue to bring honour to the country if he does not rest on his oars,” said Aboderin.
“I know that there are still many Ekpos in Nigeria if the government can create an enabling environment for them to express themselves. With a population of over 150 million, Nigerian boxers are supposed to be in the forefront in world boxing.” He appealed to the government to mandate corporate bodies to contribute to the development of boxing in the country.
“The Ministry of Sports needs to partner with corporate organisations to work out how to develop boxing in the country. The sport has brought honours to the country and it is important that corporate bodies come on board because the government cannot do it alone.
“This will enable young boxers to make maximum use of their talents and stay away from crime. This is an issue that calls for urgent attention of the Ministry of Sports and I hope something will be done about it,” he added.