By Jacob Ajom

Former national and World Boxing Organisation (Africa) Super-middleweight champion, Isaac Ekpo will return to the ring March 25 to challenge for the World Boxing Association title, currently held by Tyron Zeuge of Germany.

The fight comes up at the MBS Arena, Potsdam Brandenburg, Germany.

With an intimidating record of 31 wins(24 KOs) and two losses, the Nigerian pugilist will be aiming for the top as his opponent who has 19 wins and one draw will be no pushover.

Before the Ekpo fight, another Nigerian, Abolaji Rasheed, a.k.a. Afonja Warrior will on March 18, challenge Sam Sheedy of Britain for the vacant Commonwealth welterweight belt at the Ponds Forge Arena, Sheffield, Yorkshire.

Isaac Ekpo (L) Super Middle Weight Boxing Champion during a training session

Abolaji Rasheed is the Current Nigerian/ West African Middleweight Champion with a record of 11 fights, 8 wins (4 by KO), 2 losses and 1 draw. His opponent has amassed 17 wins and 2 Losses. The title is vacant so whoever wins between the two ring gladiators becomes the new Commonwealth welterweight champion.

Confirming the fights, Secretary of the Nigerian Boxing Board of Control, Remi Aboderin said the development was an indication that Nigerian boxing has returned to global reckoning and he thanked the new executive board of the NBB of C and, in particular, Flykite Promotions, organizers of the GOtv Boxing Night for providing the platform that has made it possible for Nigerian boxers to showcase their skills.

“I am honoured to work with the new board and Dr Rafiu Ladipo, the Flykite Promotions and GOtv for their continuous support to boxing in the country,” Aboderin said, adding that the NBB of C would do everything possible to support Rasheed and Ekpo in their bids for the Commonwealth and world titles, respectively.