NIGERIA’S current super featherweight boxing champion, Yaqub Kareem, will on Friday attempt to add a chapter to the history of Nigerian professional boxing when he takes on title holder of the WBF International super bantamweight, John Amuzu in his country.
The eight-round defence title fight is scheduled to hold at the General Mathieu Kerekou Stadium, Cotonou, Benin Republic.
Amuzu, who began his career in 2010 boasts an intimidating record of 19 wins (17KOs) and one loss after featuring in 70 rounds. On the other hand, Yaqub made his professional debut in 2005 and has 14 wins (8KOs), five losses and one draw having featured in 136 rounds.
Yaqub fights in the super fly/bantam/super bantamweight divisions. He became the Commonwealth super flyweight champion in August 2011 when he defeated Cobbina Johnson in Accra, Ghana by TKO and had three successful defence bouts
Manager and coach of Yaqub, Isiaka Olatunji told Tribunesport that his ward remains focused for the bout as he prays for luck to smile on him.
“Yaqub has fought on several occasions outside the country, he has fought even in the United Kingdom. So, he is well focused for the bout. We don’t have the knowledge of his opponent’s style but we have prepared very well,” said ‘Siki Ola’, a former national bantamweight champion who retired in the super featherweight division.
Meanwhile, speaking on the development, the Secretary General of the Nigerian Boxing Board of Control (NBB of C), Remi Aboderin, expressed confidence in the ability of Yaqub to bring glory to Nigeria given his wealth of experience.
“Yaqub is an experienced boxer with a sound coach and I believe he has what it takes to win in Cotonou. The NBB of C will continue to offer support to Nigerian boxers that would enable them to excel in their different categories. Yaqub is on the verge of making history and he should not leave any stone unturned to make Nigeria proud,” Aboderin told Tribunesport.
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