Excitement Heralds Ekundayo’s ABU Title Defence

Two Africans will take the centre stage in world boxing come June 4 as the African Boxing Union (ABU) is set to stage its welterweight title defence at the prestigious York Hall in London.

Title holder, Nigerian born Larry Ekundayo, nicknamed “The Natural” is being challenged by Tanzanian champion, Saidi Mundi and both boxers will be making history as it is the first time an African title defence will be hosted in the York Hall which is known as the British home of boxing.

Organisers say tickets are selling fast as boxing fans in Britain and other parts of the world are expecting an exciting and thrilling display of African pugilism.

The fight has been described as a “time of reckoning” for Ekundayo to prove his invincibility just as many say the battle is not only between both fighters but also between their compatriots from West Africa and East Africa from where both boxers hail, going by the buzz which the fight is generating across the United Kingdom.

Larry ‘The Natural’ Ekundayo is the undefeated African Boxing Union champion, International Masters welterweight title holder and the 2012 Prizefighter champion while the Tanzanian champion, Mundi, brings an impressive ring record of 14 wins and only 2 losses.

Both athletes will sure be looking to get the best of one another on the night but victory is especially non-negotiable for the phenomenal Ekundayo as it will propel him up the world rankings ahead of a potential title defence in homeland Nigeria scheduled as part of activities to mark the nation’s Independence anniversary on October 1.

Ekundayo’s manager, Ben Gray, has consistently assured that the boxer is in great shape to produce an excellent performance to achieve victory and also thrill boxing fans.

Expected to be at the ring side to see Nigeria sour in the glory of global boxing is the country’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung, to whom a special invitation has been extended. Also to join in the support for Ekundayo is an array of Nigerian celebrities from the worlds of music, movies, media and sports.