Stage set for Akinwande

IBF international champion, Henry Akinwande has warned his fans to expect a tough fight when he takes on Antoin Nel for the IBF title come April 10 in Calabar.

The fight which has already been tagged as ‘Battle in the Creek’ will see Akinwande square up against his charged South African challenger Antoin Nel on home soil for the first time after spending all his professional career in the US and UK.

Stressing the importance of the fight, Akinwande noted that the defence of his title and the joy of fighting in front of his people for the first time will only spur him to victory.

“This is a moment I have been waiting for all my life” he told Nigeriasports.com

“I could not fight back at home in the past due to the political turmoil and now that I have the opportunity to do that, I assure every one of a good fight and a better Henry Akinwande”

“I am preparing hard at the gymnasium hall of the national stadium in Lagos and my trainer will arrive from the United States alongside my sparing partners on Tuesday” he stressed.

Against all odds
His opponent, South African champion, Antoine says he is set to prove critics and pundits wrong by beating the highly respected Nigerian.

“I am going back to South Africa with the title and I will be doing this to silent critics back home, who doesn’t believe in me” he said

Noting that he has enjoyed the hospitality of Nigerians in Calabar, he will only disappoint them by beating their own son.

“Everyone keep asking me how am settling in Nigeria and I can only tell them that I’ve had great fun in Calabar, it looks like am on vacation but I will only emerge a bad guest after beating Henry” he explained.

Interestingly, Akinwande who recently renounced his British citizenship says there is no cause for alarm fighting against Anthoine.

“He’s a good fighter and a brave one but I am going to knock him out, not in a hurry so that people can enjoy great boxing moment, but the target will still be achieved”

Regrets
Blaming the political instability that prevailed in Nigeria in the past, Akinwande wish he had fought on home soil when his rating was high in the world.

“I had fought in the United states and the United Kingdom against the likes of Lenox Lewis, Oliver McCall and Mosley undoubtedly some of the best of my great opponents in the past but I still regret not bringing those fights home” he lamented.

“With this fight I want to put Nigeria in a great place on the boxing map so everyone will come down here to see a nation blessed with everything in life” he said.

Chris Bird is the current IBF heavy weight champion, whilst Henry Akinwande is ranked number twelve.