It was a replica of what happens in Las Vegas and other prominent cities of the world were boxing is a culture as Kanu Nwankwo Sports Centre in Aladimma, Owerri last Sunday played host a boxing tournament christened, “Battle of Biz -Men”, which holds every Sunday evening.
The first round 6 tournament which lived far above its billing was between fair complexioned and handsome looking Chidera Orjiakor taking on bulky but youthful Stanley Nwaigbo.
The fight which lasted 6 rounds with 2 minutes each was officiated by a veteran boxing coach, Obinna Meshack while Chukwuebuka Sydney Umunnakwe, another prolific punching boxer effectively handled the compere job.
The spectators got more fun than they paid for as fireworks of punches oozing out from the war glove of both boxers with defensive tactics gave no indication that the boxers were amaetures.
After the six rounds of boxing that obviously justified them as future professional boxers to watch out, the judges announced Chidera Orjiakor winner with 175 points while his defeated opponent Stanley Nwaigbo gallantly got 138 points.
The main bout of the day, was a 3 rounds exhibition match of 3 minutes each between the athletic built Anyanwu Ikenna (Oti-okpo) and bulky built Chukwuemeka Akunakolam , both haven represented Imo State in many Boxing competitions and won laurels and honours forthe state.
Akunakolam who came to the sporting complex with his young but pretty wife and three kids was overwhelmed with confidence during his preparation.
Their fight was something to remember as right from the declaration of the bout the boxers exhibited skills and professionalism. There punches were tactical and sensational as it came from left and right upper cut.
However, after the second round, it was obvious that Akunakolam no longer had the Spartan spirit to continue absorbing the fiery punches from Ikenna who seemed deadly on the ring as he gave up, thereby automatically making Ikenna the undisputable winner.
Next Sunday, the Co- ordinator, Mr. Meshack Obinna announced that there will be another more interesting boxing match while describing boxing game as a school of martial arts where you direct your negative energy to something positive in the overall interest of the society.
