By Babatunde Ogunrinde
Lagos – Nigeria’s sensational boxing champion Olaide “Fijaborn’’ Fijabi, says he is ready to defeat ridiculously Ghana’s Raphael Kwabena “King’’ when they clash in the GOtv Boxing Night 9 on Oct. 2.
The event is an international Light Welterweight challenge scheduled for the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium in Lagos, among six other fights.
Fast-rising Fijabi did not lose in his 35 amateur bouts and is also yet to taste defeat in his four professional fights.
His fast-pace fighting skills and strength has earned him a reputation for always giving a good fight and a huge fans support.
Fijabi told the News agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Lagos that his preparation was going on smoothly and that he had his mind set on knocking King out in the fifth round.
“I am getting ready for the fight, I want everybody to come out and support me as I will give King the beating of his life.
“I understand Ghana produces good boxers, but I am unconcerned about that; all I know is that when the fight ends, I will be the champion,’’ Fijabi said.
His opponent, King, said he was familiar with the way Fijabi fights having watched him on television during editions of the GOtv Boxing Night.
He added that he was confident of handing him his first defeat.
“I have seen him fight many times and he is way below my standard. I have fought tougher boxers, including world champions.
“Fijabi has lost before stepping into the ring because Ghana has always won Nigeria’s sportsmen; we are better than Nigeria in sports and I will prove that by beating Fijabi.
His compatriot, Richard Amenfu, who will come up against national Lightweight champion, Oto “Joe Boy’’ Joseph, also dismissed his Nigerian opponent as inferior to him.
Amenfu said the two Ghanaians were in Nigeria to reinforce the country’s supremacy over Nigeria.
“We are in Nigeria to restore Ghana’s pride, we have far better boxers than Oto and I will make sure I beat him so silly that he will wipe his mouth on the floor,’’ Amenfu said.
Other fights on the card include the national Cruiserweight title clash between incumbent champion, Ekeng “Fighting Policeman’’ Henshaw and Idowu “ID Cabasa’’ Okusote.
Lightweight challenge bout between Sikiru “Omo Iya Eleja’’ Shogbesan and Prince “Lion’’ Nwoye and the Light Middleweight encounter between Semiu “Jagaban’’ Olapade and Ebubechukwu “Coded Man’’ Edeh.
In the Light Heavyweight division, Kabiru “KB Godson’’ Towolawi will face Emmanuel “Mopol Man’’ Igwe, while national champion Jude “Great Jude’’ Iloh takes on Adewale “Masevex’’ Masebinu.
The best boxer at the event which will be broadcast live on SuperSport 9 in 47 African countries, will go home with a cash prize of N1.5million and the Mojisola Ogunsanya Memorial Trophy.
According to the sponsors, the cash prize was increased by half a million naira in commemoration of the country’s independence and GOtv’s fifth anniversary.