Ahead of the world boxing title fight scheduled to be held in Port Harcourt on December 7, the Rivers State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Israel Lebura Ngbuelo, has declared that the world title fight is practical evidence that the state is safe, hospitable, and environmentally friendly for both local and international business to thrive.
The culture and tourism boss made this known while receiving the promoter of the world boxing title bout, Zeus Sports, in Port Harcourt, even as he immediately endorsed his signature on the premier gloves as a symbol of acceptance.
He said Rivers State is ready to host the world and house some of the best hotels in Nigeria, alongside many tourist sites, as well as traditional culture and very hospitable people.
Commending the Governor of Rivers State; Siminalayi Fubara, for his massive support to the sporting sector in the state, which he said has accounted for the avalanche of laurels won by the state at different sporting competitions, the commissioner called on youths in the state to come out in their numbers to watch the fight as well as take up sports as a profession, because sports is a lucrative venture.
Zeus Sports CEO, Mr Emmanuel Emenogu, told the commissioner that his office was very significant to the success of the fight.
High points of the visit were the presentation of the face of Rivers State for the fight, Big Benzy, to the commissioner, and the award of a boxing glove to the commissioner, while the Rivers State boxing team coach, Gift Otonye, who was part of Team Nigeria Paris 2024 Olympics, said, “This fight will change the face of boxing in the state and the country in general.”
The world boxing fight will take place on December 7 at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Port Harcourt, with Nigeria’s Taiwo Agbaje challenging Loren Japhet of Tanzania for the vacant WBF Featherweight world title, while Ike Ibenuachi will be trading fists in the heavyweight category, for the first time in 20 years, with eight other fights on the bill in the bout tagged ‘Simplified Rumble in Rivers for Champions.’
Top celebrities like Flavour, Finidi George, Daniel Amokachi, Duncan Mighty, and Timaya, among others are all billed to grace the bout.
President of the World Boxing Federation, Howard Goldberg, has cancelled his trip to the United States of America to be physically present in Nigeria for the fight.
