LAGOS – Isaac Epko, Commonwealth/World Boxing Organisation champion, has advised upcoming boxers in the country to obey training directives by coaches to enable them accomplish their goal.
He told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that it was unethical for budding boxers to follow instructions outside the training programmes designed by coaches.
“The dream of upcoming boxer is to become champion at every stage of his category at the national and professional level but he must be under the supervision of a seasoned coach.
“Coaches are more experienced, have undergone seminars and carried out researches on rules, which guides them to prepare training schedule to enhance the talents of potentials,’’ he said.
According to him, it was such steps that contributed to his success in the boxing profession.
He added that he had never gone contrary to the regulations of his coach.
“I attribute my achievements to God Almighty, but my coach played major role in every stage and development of my career which I followed strictly without compromise.
“Today I cannot make a complete state of my success without mentioning my coach, Sunday Nwamuda, because he actually nurtured me to stardom, ’’ he added.
The champion popularly known as `Grenado’, urged current champions in various categories to begin to think of what they could do to bring back the glory of boxing at continental and intercontinental levels.
He said that such individual challenge would bring about commitment and success which would also in turn give them national and international recognition.
Epko, however, said that it was only after this that “fame will set in’’.(NAN)