The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has called on Nigerians to support the International Boxing Federation European Welterweight champion, Larry Ekundayo, to emerge the world boxing champion.
The monarch, who stated this while hosting Ekundayo and his team members in his palace on Wednesday, said he was pleased with the boxer’s progress and achievements.
A member of ‘Team Ekundayo’ and Director of Africa Division, Peel Aston Global, Khomeini Bukhari, in an emailed statement, said Ogunwusi appealed to prominent Nigerians to support Ekundayo with the resources at their disposal to make his dream of winning more global laurels come true.
It said: “The Ooni of Ife was very happy to see Ekundayo and expressed delight with his achievements and career progression. He sent messages to many dignitaries soliciting their support for Larry Ekundayo. Oba Ogunwusi also promised to stand by Ekundayo and his team till he emerged the world boxing champion.”
The statement further said Ekundayo, who is on a nine-day tour of the country, would also visit Lagos State Governor-elect, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Premier Lotto Chairman, Sir Kensington Adebutu, Oba Saheed Elegushi and Rev. Mother Esther Ajayi, to thank them for their support.
It explained that Ekundayo, who was accompanied by his commercial agent, Ben Gray and the tour organizer, Bukhari, would also use the opportunity to inspire youths in the country.
The boxer is expected to announce his next fight which was delayed by poor finance.
Ekundayo said, “I thank all who have supported me and I would like to specially thank Baba Ijebu (Adebutu) and Rev. Mother Esther Ajayi.
“I really wanted to fight this month but my commercial agent in Nigeria, Bukhari, after trying so hard, never got all he was promised. I hope I get the support I need so I can hold my next fight very soon. I’m two fights away from winning the world championship.”
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