Boxers, organizers and officials promise an exciting night at the "Fight for Liberty" event. This event, hosted by Prizefighting, is set for Saturday, July 4, at the NIS Gymnasium in the National Stadium, Surulere. Eleven fights approved by the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control are ready for fans.
Rafiu Oladipo, the President of the NBBofC, praised the organizers, especially Miyen Akiri, for their loyalty to the board. He highlighted that Nigerian boxing has lasted for 79 years. "I want to thank the organizers of the fight, particularly Miyen Akiri, for the consistency and loyalty to the NBBofC, as we have been doing boxing for 79 years now. This is my appeal to the boxers to take care of themselves, and I wish them the very best of luck for tomorrow. And I want to congratulate the organizers for putting this together," Oladipo said.
Prince Adetoye Olofin, the NBBofC Vice President, also congratulated the boxers. He mentioned that the board would keep working to improve the sport in Nigeria. Remi Aboderin, the Secretary-General of the NBBofC, described how honored he felt to see the event preparations. He assured that the board would support the promoter.
"It’s a great honor 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. The fights will be exciting and explosive for boxing fans, based on the array of boxers that are on the lineup. So come one and come all, and see what we have to offer in Nigerian boxing," Aboderin said.
Akiri mentioned that Prizefighting values its relationship with the NBBofC. He shared that the World Boxing Board (WBB) sent a championship belt from the United States for the event. He added that Prizefighting would continue to work with the board. "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. Prizefighting will continue this romance with the NBBofC," Akiri said.
Honourable Godwin Ikuru also spoke. He urged the NBBofC, Prizefighting, and the boxers to keep aiming for greatness. He stressed that believing in oneself is key to success in boxing. "I want to say that any man that wants others to be great will also be great. 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," Ikuru said.
As Saturday's card approaches, which starts at 4pm, two fighters engaged in a war of words. Durodola Olanrewaju warned his opponent against boasting before the fight. Sodiq Akano responded with a bold prediction. "Whatsoever you say today will be used against you tomorrow. Don’t brag now," Olanrewaju said.
"I’ll make sure I drop Olanrewaju at round four. I’ll show him my talent tomorrow, and I believe in myself," Akano replied.
The fight card features Abiodun Muyideen against Opeyemi Ibraheem in the super bantamweight opening bout. Other matches include Semiu Olopade against Sadam Oladipupo (welterweight), Sadiq Popoola against Samuel Elegbede (middleweight), Yusuf Ogunbunmi against Ibukun Opaje (super lightweight), Adebayo Dada against Kola Adeyemo (lightweight), Ganiu Olaitan against Tunde Azeez (cruiserweight), and Hazmat Idris against Oluwashina Ayomikun Balogun (middleweight).
The undercard continues with Ezekiel Igbozurike against Sunday Abudu in the heavyweight division. The main events will include Olanrewaju "God’s Power" Durodola facing Sodiq Akano in an eight-round cruiserweight bout. Temitope "TNT" Ademulere will take on Tanjar Defence over eight rounds in the super lightweight division, and Samson "Big Chocolate" Kazeem will headline against Anselme Gnansingbe in a ten-round heavyweight main event.
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