Ekundayo targets world title, faces Thain on July 13

By Akeem Lawal

NIGERIAN  boxer, Larry 'The Natural' Ekundayo will have the opportunity of getting closer to a world welterweight title fight when he takes on Filipino-Scottish  boxer, John Thain on July 13 in United Kingdom, Sportsbiz247.blogspot.com reports.

The tasty match-up between Ekundayo (13-1, 3KOs) and Thain (17-3, 1KO) will top the bill on one of MTK London Promotion's 'Seize The City' card at Bethnal Green’s famous York Hall, London.

A win for Ekundayo will project the Nigerian to top 15 in the world and closer to world title fight.

The London-based former African Boxing Union and Prizefighter champion made a victorious return to the ring by defeating Adam Grabiec of Poland in March, almost a year after sustaining a broken hand in his first pro loss by controversial split decision to world-title challenger Gary Corcoran.

Speaking at a media parley in Lagos ahead of the fight,  a member of 'Team Ekundayo' who also doubles as Director of Africa Peel Aston Global, Khomeini Bukhari,explained that the media session was ostensibly to sensitive the public and particularly, the corporate world on the need to  support the ambition of Ekundayo to win a world title for Nigeria.

Bukhari addressing media during the parley in Lagos.

Bukhari said, with adequate support, Ekundayo has the potential of becoming a world champion under one year.

“Larry has the capability to win a world title and all he needs right now is just for us to support him. The kind of support we give football, if we give Larry one percent of the he would be a world champion in 12 months.  

“Larry is set and no doubt he is going to win the fight. He very passionate and amazing boxer but the only thing is that he still lacks the support. I want to thank Asiwaju Bola Tinubu who has given him support. Others that have the ability should also do the same because Larry is fighting for Nigeria and he is going to make the country proud,” Bukitari told Sportsbiz247.blogspot.com at a media parley held in Lagos ahead of the fight.

The well attended parley that featured former Commonwealth boxing champion Segun Ajose, Remi Aboderin, Secretary-General, NBB of C, veteran journalist Effiong Nyong, as well as, Andrew Odobeatu, had them rallying support for the ambition of the highly rated Nigerian boxer from the corporate world, the general public and the media.

Media parley held in Lagos ahead of the Ekundayo's fight against Thain

A member of the Larry Ekundayo team, Sola Rogers calls for more partnership from all stakeholders.

“The fight will be coming up on a Friday and OGTV will be showing it live. Also AIT are also partner in progress and it is 90 percent certain that they will be showing it live too. Other media outfits are also welcome on board for partnership on this project,” Rogers told Sportsbiz247.blogspot.com.

Also speaking via telephone from London, Ben Gray, Larry's commercial Agent from World Class Athletes enthused greatly about the chances of Ekundayo to become a world champion in a couple of months. He however, admonished the government and well placed individuals to support the dream. Even as he lamented the lack of supports for talented Nigerians with potentials to become world champions like Anthony Joshua.

Expected to also feature on the card on July 13 are recent MTK Global signings Liam Wells, Simeon Preddie, Mitchell Frearson and Zuhayr al-Qahtani, while Siar Ozgul defends his Southern Area super-lightweight title and rising light-heavyweight Dan Azeez earns another chance to shine.