Remi Aboderin, Secretary of the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control, says the organization backs Nigerian cruiserweight Tony Salam to defeat Zimbabwe’s Chomunorwa “Sting’’ Gonorenda.
The two boxers will clash in Harare, Zimbwabwe tomorrow, August 31, for the WBF Africa cruiserweight title.
Aboderin told the News Agency of Nigeria that Salam had the qualities to outpunch his opponent and emerge as the new cruiserweight Africa boxing king.
“I have seen Salam box, and I can tell you, he is a great boxer and carries the national pride with a lot of dignity and passion whenever he steps into the ring to fight,” he said. “We at the NBB of C back him to win the boxing title and continue to show the qualities he is capable of as he has made the step to be the best in the category.”
Salam, popularly known as “Muri Sugar,’’ told newsmen in Lagos that he would beat Gonorenda silly in front of his home fans at the Independence Stadium in Harare.
Salam, who is 11-1, last fought in the Boxfest Challenge at the Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos last April. He recorded a unanimous decision win over highly-rated German Eugene Buchmeiller.
Salam also vowed to conquer any antics brought by Gonorenda and be crowned the new WBF African cruiserweight title at the end of the bout.
“As far as I am concerned, Gonorenda can’t do anything to me and will not stop me when we clash at the Independence Stadium,” he stated. “I am a potential world champion, as I will use the opportunity to climb to the next level which is to compete for the world title.”
“I’m a Grade A fighter,” he continued. “Gonorenda is a Grade D boxer, so I’ll beat him silly.’’
In the same vein, Saleh Fawaz, the manager of the Nigerian boxer—also the Chief Executive Officer of Saleh Gloves Promotion—predicted doom for the Zimbabwean.
He has tipped his boxer to overcome everything thrown at him, tabbing “Muri Sugar” to win convincingly in Harare on August 31.
