4th January, 2013
If the words coming from the executives of the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control, NBB of C, are anything to go by, then 2013 will be a year for Nigerian professional boxers to write their names in gold.
In a chat with Boxing In Focus, NBB of C president, Godwin Kanu, said sky is the limit for Nigerian pugilists in 2013, adding that the country parades an array of stars in the squared rope sport.
“The NBB of C is optimistic that Nigerian boxers both at home and in the diaspora will give a good account of themselves in 2013. Some of them were excellent in their various categories last year, and the board expects them to perform better this year,” said Kanu.
He added: “Nigeria has a lot of stars in different weight categories, who are potential world champions. Some of them only missed the opprtunity to become world champions last year because they could not get shots on world titles.”
On his part, NBB of C scribe, Remi Aboderin was more specific as he named Isaac Ekpo, Lateef Kayode, Larry Ekundayo, Yakub Kareem among the numerous Nigerian boxers that the board is banking on to do the country proud this new year.
“Among the boxers that are expected to shine this year are Yakub Kareem and Isaac Ekpo. Kareem will defend his Super Flyweight Commonwealth title, while Ekpo, who won a WABU title few months ago will surely go for something higher than that this year,” said Aboderin.
“Apart from these two boxers, Lateef Kayode and Larry Ekundayo can also spring surprises in 2012. Kayode made a lot of progress in the Cruiserweight category last year, while Ekundayo won the Prizefighter Tournament towards the end of the year.”
Aboderin, however, reiterated the commitment of the board to do its utmost to assist the pugilists to achieving their goals of becoming world champions this year.
“The NBB of C has always rendered tremendous assistance to Nigerian boxers whether they are in the country or abroad. The board will not relent on its efforts this year but continue to assist Nigerian boxers whereever they are plying their trades,” Aboderin said.