The stories of Samuel Okon Peter and Olarewaju Durodola are quite popular in the global boxing world, as officers in the Nigerian Police Force (NPF), who represent the country on the international sports scene.
The same is true for another esteemed pugilist from the NPF, Superintendent Sulaimon Olagbade Abiodun (aka Tyson Kill), a former World Boxing Organisation (WBO) super-welterweight champion, who is in Lagos with a message for all young people.
Olagbade started making waves in 2011 and, while still in active service with the police at Sango-Ota in Ogun State, quickly amassed a record of 14 wins, two draws and no defeats, which propelled him onto the global stage, which he took on with unmatched determination and zeal.
He earned his nickname from his fighting style, which is similar to that of American legend Mike Tyson, while ‘Kill’ was added during a visit to Burkina Faso, but his biggest fight came in Bradford, England.
Olagbade reflected on his success, attributing it to his fearless approach and reliance on his own abilities rather than on sponsorship or backing from any form of government to advance his boxing career.
The man known as ‘Supo’ admitted that he is dissatisfied with the current state of boxing in Nigeria, but conceded that he does not have the power to rectify the problems affecting the sport.
He added: “I was born a boxer, and I loved boxing from my childhood. I’ve committed myself fully to it, and praise God for where I am today.
“When we discuss boxing in Nigeria, I’m not entirely pleased with the direction it is heading, because I’ve been abroad and understand how things are done there.
“For now, there is nothing I can do to improve things, but if I gain a higher position of authority, I will know how to uplift Nigerian boxing to a higher level.”
“The one thing I know about Nigeria is that you can only help yourself. That’s why I always work hard to improve my status. I don’t rely on the government for sponsorship.
“Indeed, when I fought in London, it wasn’t the Nigerian government that organised it. I relied on myself, and God rewarded my efforts.
“So, if you want to become a boxing champion, you must rely on yourself. Don’t wait for the government to do it for you and for everyone else… you must help yourself,” stressed Olagbade.
He also recounted his professional journey and added: “I had just nine local fights before I travelled to London to fight. I won my WBO world title in Nigeria at the Landmark Centre. That’s where I became a world champion.
“Later, I had to go to Bradford in the UK to defend it. After that, I went to Scotland to fight for another WBO belt. It’s simply a question of opportunity and how to make the most of it.”
Olagbade is now one of the ‘poster boys’ currently being used to advertise an upcoming evening of several boxing matches scheduled for the National Stadium, Surulere on Sunday, July 21st, entitled ‘Chaos In Lagos,’ organized by Unboxx Sports & Entertainment Limited.