By Milton Tella – The WBO cruiserweight champion, Lawrence Okolie, who recently defeated his opponent Cieslak at the O2 Arena, was at the Nigeria High Commission London to present his title belt to the High Commissioner.
Nigerian diplomats, led by His Excellency, Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola, on Tuesday, 12 April 2022, received the Nigeria born British WBO cruiserweight titleholder who, recently returned from a first time visit to his fatherland, Nigeria.
Ben Gray, the director of World Class Athletes and Honorary Adviser on Sports to the Nigeria High Commissioner was in the company of Lawrence Okolie and Anthony Joshua’s cousin Gbenga Ileyemi during the visit.
While introducing the team, Ben described Okolie, the WBO champion as an inspirational Nigerian character, he embodies the best of Nigeria and is determined to unify the Division and eager to win the World Heavyweight title.
Lawrence Okolie said, “It is amazing that l am being received by high powered Nigerian officials here at the Mission. It shows me that people in high position are actually ready and willing to help.
I wish my mum and dad were here but they are currently in Nigeria at the moment and they will be really upset that they were not able to be present. The lot l am able to achieve in boxing, is due to the fact that l am a Nigerian. My physical strength and attitude is a testimony.
My visit to Nigeria last week really confirmed it, being there to experience the hustle and bustle; the energy of the people really brought the story home. I was at the Hall of Fame in Surulere Lagos, where I did some boxing matches and was able to see local talents in abundance. It will be nice to be able to get many to my level. There is so much strength and passion, so much life in Nigeria. The experience in Nigeria was life changing for me. Now is a great time for me to have a boxing match in Nigeria, it will be nice for you here to help facilitate this. It will be a good tide for Nigerian boxers all over the world to be able to return home.”
The High Commissioner appreciated the efforts of Ben Gray, whom he said, is very passionate about Nigeria and Nigerian boxers. He added that Ben made a clear and convincing point to us that boxing is the number one sport to Nigerians in the UK.
Ambassador Sarafa congratulated Lawrence Okolie on his latest win, praised his humility for identifying with his roots. He said, “You are one example of British Nigerians that I will continue to celebrate. I can assure you that in all your fights, the Mission has been and will always be represented. We will continue to identify with your cause. I have a prediction today that in the nearest future you are going to be the World Heavyweight champion by the grace of God. I have seen in you someone who has the commitment and tenacity of purpose. We identify with you not because you have won but because you are a Nigerian. When Anthony Joshua lost the last fight, we wrote a letter of commendation to encourage him and assured him that we will always be there for him. We have decided that it is not only when people win that we identify with them. It is the Nigerian spirit.
I assure you that the officials here present to welcome you today are the entire leadership of the Nigeria High Commission. We seldom do this; it is because you are special to us that we are honouring you today. You will continue to get this type of honour. If character and values are not inculcated in you, you will not get to this point. I will implore you to continue in this direction.
On behalf of the President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari GCFR, the Nigeria High Commission London, the Government and the people of Nigeria, l congratulate you for being able to have the title in 2020 and being able to defend it in February 2022.
The High Commissioner rounded off as he collected the title belt from Okolie by saying: This title is to the glory of God and for the benefit of mankind. God will sustain you and you will go higher in your boxing career.”
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