Nigeria’s WBF Title Defence: LOC Boss, Okunniyi Assures On Dec. 26 Date

By Ogundele Olanrewaju

Chairman of the Local Organizing Team for the defence of the World Boxing Federation (WBF) Super Featherweight belt won by Nigeria’s Ridwan, the Scorpion, Oyekola, Sir Olawale Okunniyi has assured that the International title fight will hold on 26th of December date picked for the bout in Nigeria.

‘Scorpion’ Oyekola in his quest to defend his title against an opponent from Georgia, Giorgi Gogatishvili received boost yesterday when Okunniyi in an interview with newsmen at the Adamasigba venue of the match in Ibadan said discussions have reached advance stage to finalize all arrangement with government on how to successfully host the event in Nigeria.

He said the Nigerian government and the host Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has already assured that everything will be done to ensure that Nigeria does not loose the WBF belt as the WBF has slated the international fight to hold on the December 26th for the title defence for Scorpion

It will be recalled that the title defence fight has been earlier scheduled twice but Core Afrique Boxing Promotions, managers of Ridwan ‘Scorpion’ said those dates were not realistic due to logistics constraints, which makes the the boxer susceptible to be stripped-off the title by the international boxing body, if he could not defend his title this year.

Okunniyi however, assured boxing lovers in Nigeria and the teeming fans of Ridwan Scorpion, saying “President of World Boxing Federation (WBF), Howard Goldberg has agreed to the new date following the intervention of the Nigerian government and the Oyo State Government. So, we members of the Local Organizing Team wish to commend the Oyo State Governor and the Minister of Sports for their assurances to make the international boxing bout a success.