By Tom Odemwingie
Warri-born Richard Riakporhe last night continued his march towards a world cruiserweight title shot as he stopped former WBO champion Krzysztof Glowacki.
It was in the undercard of the clash between Liam Smith and Chris Eubank Jr. in which the latter was knocked out in round four in Manchester.
One of the hurdles Richard must cross is Lawrence Okolie, who holds the WBO belt in the weight class.
Two boxers with Nigerian blood fighting for a world title — what a boost that will be for boxing on Nigeria?
Both are Nigerian-born, Okolie of Igbo origins and Riakporhe of Urhobo descent, and UK-based.
Where is the governor with the audacity to host the fight?
There’ll be no shortage of corporate sponsors.
Selfish me, I encourage Godwin Enogheghase Obaseki to host it at Ogbe Stadium, to build upon his administration’s worthy efforts to restore Bendel Insurance to national prominence!
Asaba or Onitsha would be other candidates to host it.
There’s too much football in us these days.
I remember the days of lightweight sensation Davidson Andeh at Ogbe Stadium, when I was the ring announcer in his fight against British boxer Robbie Robinson (for the Commonwealth title?), put together by Demola Omotosho of Top Rank Promotions on 3 April 1982!
E Don Tay!!
On the ringside to report the fight for syndicated publication in the print media will be Trigo Egbegi, Mitchel Obi, Sam John and Ikeddy Isiguzo.
They’ll need Mike Awoyinfa to cast the headlines for their stories. Wole Olaoye will put the whole fight in historical context, like he used to do for Drum magazine, since he one of the very few living journalists who reported on Hogan “Kid” Bassey, Dick Ihetu Tiger, Mamman Clay, Hogan Jimoh and other great Nigerian pugilists. Tayo Balogun will do the Tv commentaries.
I will come out of retirement to play the ring announcer.
Isn’t an old man entitled to dream?