World title rematch: NBB of C want WBO to probe Ekpo’s loss in Germany

THE Nigeria Boxing Board of Control, NBB of C have called on the World Boxing Association (WBO), to investigate the circumstances which led to the defeat of Nigeria’s Issac Ekpo, during last month’s title rematch in Germany.
Ekpo (32-4, 25 KOs), who is fondly called ‘Grenade’ in a rematch suffered a second round knock out at the hands of the reigning WBO “regular” super middleweight champion, Tyron Zeuge, in Hamburg, Germany.
It will be recalled that the 2003 All Africa Games light heavyweight silver medallist, had his first bout also in Germany, stopped by referee Raul Caiz Jr. in round five in favour of Zeuge, who had suffered a cut from an accidental head-butt in the third round.
In the rematch, 2004 Olympian, Ekpo, was sent to the canvas in the first round and again in the early part of the second round and could not recover to continue, forcing the referee to stop the bout.
However, secretary of NBB of C, Mr Remi Aboderin, told Tribunesport that the fight did not reflect the true ability of the former super Commonwealth super middleweight champion.
“It was no contest as far as we are concerned at NBB of C. This was not Ekpo we used to know, the rematch in Germany had traits of conspiracy. Ekpo did not truly lose the fight.
“Everybody saw what happened during the first fight last year also right in Germany, Ekpo, was clearly robbed of victory. Zeuge suffered a cut and because of that injury, the referee stopped the fight in round five still in favour of the bleeding champion.
“We had wanted the rematch to take place outside Germany, but it didn’t sail through. Ekpo from what we saw in the rematch was not himself. He holds an intimidating fights record which everybody knows. I urge the WBO to review the rematch and find out what might have happened.
“Something went wrong and the WBO should please find out. This is a challenger that meant business, he was not in Germany on a jamboree. His foods and possibly drinks before the bout must have been tampered with.
“This has nothing to do with sentiments, what really happened must be ascertained by the WBO and made public for the image of the sport. The rematch in Germany was a sad development as far as NBB of C is concerned. Ekpo is a boxer that can last the distance any day anytime,” Aboderin said.