Africa
NIGERIA former boxing international, Ikechukwu Okoronkwo, has expressed dismay over the performance of Nigerian boxers at the ongoing International Boxing Association World Championship in Uzbekistan.
Okoronkwo, who made his feelings known to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu on Friday, said the boxers were below the required standard to win medal at the IBA World Boxing Championship.
“The Boxers have the talent but they are not getting the required support in terms of preparation.
“For instance, the boxers were not camped by the Federal Government; none of the Boxers are under employment at their various sports council,” he said.
He recalled his active days, saying that he was being paid by the Enugu State Government, Anambra State Government and Abia State Government as active athletes.
Okoronkwo said the incentives motivated him to defeat many country boxers to win Gold For Nigeria in Light welter weight Category (60 to 63.5 kg) at IBB International Boxing Championship For World Peace at Lagos in 1992.
“I wish to advise boxers to accept any good offer to be a professional Boxer in country like USA, to develop themselves to achieve their aim of becoming a champion.
“To make money, develop their self and Community in Nigeria as they can fight for Nigeria as professionals even at Olympics
“Nigeria’s medalist Ige Ridwan “Arewa” lost his second fight to German Goekduman Devrim “Dave Heck” was a thing to worry about.
“Sad to see another medal hopeful from Nigeria, Ifeanyi Onyekwere lost his round of 32 of Men’s Super-heavyweight bout against Spanish Ayoub Ghadfa by unanimous decision,” Okoronkwo lamented. (NAN)
T.S
Tags: Ifeanyi Onyekwere Ikechukwu Okoronkwo International Boxing Championship News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
