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Nigeria: Don King Roots for Country to Host WBC Fight
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This Day (Lagos)
16 May 2008
Posted to the web 16 May 2008
Lagos
Flamboyant American boxing promoter, Don King says Nigeria is on the threshold of making history only if the Presidency could seize the opportunity of hosting a World Boxing Council (WBC) title fight at a time Samuel Peter is the world heavyweight champion.
Peter, dubbed the Nigerian Nightmare by American media, is listed to fight Vitali Klitschko in October in his first title defence, is Nigeria's ambassador in the pugilist sport globally.
And in the reckoning of King no time is better than now for Nigeria to host such a big fight 'since it would attract the attention of the world.'
No country on the African continent has hosted a WBC heavyweight fight since the famous 'Rumble in the Jungle' between legendary Muhammad Ali and George Foreman in Zaire (now Democratic Republic of Congo) in 1974.
The American boxing promoter has however affirmed that a WBC heavyweight in Nigeria would give the country visibility as well as economic gains.
"Nigeria is beautiful. It is a wonderful country with lively people, who are full of energy and strength. So that is why I love Nigeria and I would be fulfilled if Nigeria can host a WBC Heavyweight fight in my life time," noted the 77-year-old American, widely known as the godfather of boxing.
The promoter said his ambition is to use the game of boxing, which he had promoted for decades in parts of the world to rise " Nigeria 's image and visibility".
He said: " I am passionate about my love for Nigeria, so let all of us join hands to make Nigeria greater. In fact, I'm impressed about the uncommon passion of President Musa Yar'Adua, Vice President Jonathan Goodluck and my good friend, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Godswill Akpabio. Their commitment as regards hosting a WBC in Nigeria has really encouraged me to make it happen, and together we can make it happen."
"Of course, I love Sam Peter because he's well focused and one of the world's greatest potentials in the world of boxing today and all hands must be on deck so that Peter can remain on top of the rack"
He further stressed the need for the federal government
And Nigerians to support the hosting of a world boxing title fight in Nigeria for a repeat of the 1974 like 'Rumble in the Jungle.'
According to him: "That fight was made possible by the former Zairean government which resulted in boosting the economy and visibility of Congo at that time .We will also use the event in Abuja to further expose the country to investors and tourists.
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"We all know that Nigeria is such a big country and I believe the whole world would want a WBC fight to be hosted in one of the biggest countries of the world. I'm really excited about the prospect and I know millions of Nigerians including President Yar'Adua, Vice President Goodluck and Godswill would make it happen ,"he added.
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