World Boxing Federation President, Howard Goldberg, is set to make a high-profile appearance at the much-anticipated “Simplified Rumble in Rivers for Champions” boxing event in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, on December 7.
This exciting event, organized to showcase the rising profile of Nigerian boxing, will be held at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium and features a thrilling main event; a showdown between Nigeria’s own Taiwo Agbaje and Tanzania’s Loren Japhet.
The two contenders will battle for the vacant WBF Featherweight World Title in what promises to be a monumental moment for Nigerian sports.
In a video message to fans and the boxing community, Mr. Goldberg shared his excitement, saying, “Very exciting news that we have a world title fight coming up in Port Harcourt, Rivers State in Nigeria on the 7th of December, and we place great emphasis on the importance of this fight, the magnitude of this fight.”
Despite initially planning to attend a different event in Las Vegas, Goldberg has chosen to prioritize this Port Harcourt match, emphasizing his commitment to the growth of Nigerian boxing.
His decision underscores the significance of this event in the boxing world and for the WBF, one of the top ten boxing sanctioning bodies globally.
Adding to the anticipation, Mr. Goldberg has arranged for a top-tier European referee to officiate the bout, ensuring world-class standards for the fighters and fans alike.
He expressed hope that Nigeria could soon produce another world champion, noting, “It’s exciting news for Nigeria; it’s important to see that Nigerian boxing belongs at the top, and hopefully, we will have a world champion after the 7th of December.”
Promoter Emmanuel Emenogu initially scheduled the event at the Alfred Diete Spiff Sports Center but has since moved it to the larger Yakubu Gowon Stadium to accommodate the anticipated large audience of passionate boxing fans.
Emenogu’s decision reflects the tremendous enthusiasm and growing support for boxing in Nigeria.
Beyond the main title fight, the event will offer additional thrills with nine other bouts on the card, including the highly anticipated return of Ike “The President” Ibeabuchi.
Ibeabuchi, a former heavyweight title contender, is stepping back into the ring after two decades away, following a lengthy incarceration in the United States.
His comeback adds another layer of excitement and history to an event that is shaping up to be a landmark for Nigerian boxing.
With Goldberg’s presence, top international officiating, and electrifying bouts, the “Simplified Rumble in Rivers for Champions” event is poised to elevate Nigerian boxing to new heights, solidifying its place on the global stage and delivering a night to remember for fight fans across the nation.
