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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Sports

Boxers promise fireworks at ‘Fight for Liberty’

From The Punch · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Boxers, organizers, and officials anticipate an exciting "Fight for Liberty" event featuring 11 sanctioned bouts.
  • The Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBBofC) praised the organizers for their consistency and commitment to Nigerian boxing.
  • Organizers confirmed the World Boxing Board has sent a championship belt from the U.S., highlighting the event's international recognition.

An electrifying night of boxing is promised at the "Fight for Liberty" event, set to take place on Saturday, July 4, at the NIS Gymnasium in Surulere, Lagos. Hosted by Prizefighting, the event boasts 11 fights sanctioned by the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBBofC), ensuring a packed card for fans.

I want to thank the organisers of the fight, particularly Miyen Akiri, for the consistency and loyalty to the NBBofC, as we have been doing boxing for 79 years now.

— Rafiu OladipoPresident of the NBBofC, praising the organizers at the press conference.

During a press conference, NBBofC President Rafiu Oladipo commended Prizefighting and its lead organizer, Miyen Akiri, for their unwavering consistency and loyalty to the board. Oladipo highlighted the long-standing history of boxing in Nigeria, noting its 79-year legacy. He urged the participating boxers to prioritize their safety and wished them success.

NBBofC Vice President Prince Adetoye Olofin echoed these sentiments, congratulating the boxers and reaffirming the board's commitment to fostering the growth of the sport within Nigeria. Secretary-General Remi Aboderin expressed honor in witnessing the event's preparations and assured the promoter of the board's full support, promising exciting and explosive fights based on the caliber of boxers lined up.

It’s a great honour to be here today. We, the NBBofC, want to thank the promoter, as he has solidly stood behind us, and we won’t disappoint him.

— Remi AboderinSecretary-General of the NBBofC, assuring support for the event.

Miyen Akiri of Prizefighting emphasized the value of the relationship with the NBBofC, revealing that the World Boxing Board (WBB) in the United States had sent a championship belt for the event. This gesture, Akiri noted, signifies the platform's growing recognition. Prizefighting intends to continue its strong partnership with the NBBofC.

We appreciate the relationship we have built with the NBBofC. The WBB once sent a belt all the way from the United States because of this relationship and that shows the level of recognition this platform has earned.

— Miyen AkiriPrizefighting organizer, highlighting the international recognition of the partnership.

Honorable Godwin Ikuru encouraged all stakeholders, the NBBofC, Prizefighting, and the boxers, to relentlessly pursue greatness. He stressed the importance of self-belief, stating, "When you believe in yourself, there is no mountain you cannot climb." Ahead of the event, two fighters, Durodola Olanrewaju and Sodiq Akano, engaged in a verbal exchange, adding to the pre-fight anticipation.

So I will say to the NBBofC, Prizefighting and the boxers, continue to chase greatness. I really love boxing, and I will urge you to be courageous. And when you believe in yourself, there is no mountain you cannot climb.

— Honourable Godwin IkuruUrging stakeholders to pursue greatness and self-belief.
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Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.