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NIGERIANS READY TO MAKE SOME NOISE
IN THE INTERNATIONAL BOXING LEAGUE
Friday 31 May 2002
The International Boxing League's African selection trials stopped over in Nigeria this week with the Surelere Stadium in Lagos playing host to a promising five days.
Having been the venue for a Heavyweight Boxing Federation African Boxing League fight card back on the 9th of May, the stadium has been a hive of activity this week. IBL Chief Director James Molk sees a bright future for boxing in Nigeria.
"Of course, this is a nation that takes pride in its achievements," said Molk. "Especially in the sporting arena. They've enjoyed some great success on the soccer field in recent years and I think it will be the same with boxing. We've already seen some of their fighters make impressive career starts in the HBF's African League and I see no reason why they can't make some noise in the IBL."
Numbered amongst those who have elevated themselves above the pack this week are a pair of Light-Heavyweights, 22 year-old Celestine Amakochi and 21 year-old Taribo Keshi. Both men are of a similar build and style, having shown solid punching power and fitness. Perhaps the one thing that differentiates them is the speed of Amakochi's hands. He would have to be one of the faster punchers in the Light-Heavyweight ranks and a number of scouts believe that combination of speed and power will see him go far in the league. Amakochi is a good friend of HBF African League competitor Omovo Okocha, who was present at this week's trials back on Monday.
"Amakochi shows a helluva lot of upside," said IBL scout Ray Moore. "The guy will be a success in the IBL, I guarantee it. Not even taking his physical skills into account, he's hungry, determined and intensely proud of who he is. He just has a burning desire to represent his country in our sport and that's gonna make him an even more dangerous opponent."
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