Relatively known and undefeated United States-born Nigerian Middleweight Boxer, Raphael “Trouble” Igbokwe has cleared the air on his allegiance over fighting under the colors of Nigeria, despite being eligible to fight for his country of birth.
Born in Houston-Texas, Raphael Chukwuyekwu Igbokwe who spoke exclusively to ait.live via Skype, said it was necessary due to several misinformation.
“My mum always preaches to me that no matter where you go; don’t forget where you come from. You must always remember your culture. Everything is for the culture, no matter the height, I have family back home in Nigeria and they are watching me for motivation”.
Igbokwe is noted for not shying away from his roots as he always walks into his fight with the flamboyant Nigerian attire popularly known as Ishiagu.
The boxer also explained how he came about the nickname “Trouble”. Speaking with smirk laughter, he said “growing was good for me, I was just that little boy who was full of troubles despite my parents making my life easy”.
He expressed his desire to be more recognized back home by the Nigeria Boxing Federation. “I am definitely looking forward to hearing from the Nigeria boxing federation; once it would profit me I am in. I believe the call is coming. Everything has its time with god`s power”.
“I know if I don’t get the call today, i would get it tomorrow. Everything always falls accordingly. So maybe after this interview, I would start getting calls from the federation”.
The ambitious fighter did not mince words on his chances of winning a belt for Nigeria in the nearest future and asked for support from boxing fans.
“Mark it down, in the next 2 years I would be a middleweight champion, just that strive and dedication, currently I am 28th position, look to my next fight and I would be climbing up the ranks, then reach the world title stage. I would get that belt fighting for Nigeria”.
The prospective middleweight champion whose parents are from South-East Nigeria fights as southpaw and has a record of 14 fights, 12 wins of which 6 are by knock out and two split decision with no defeat so far.
(EDITOR: TERVERR TYAV)
