The leadership of Core Afrique Boxing Promotions (COABOX), the outfit managing the WBF Champion, Ridwan ‘Scorpion’ Oyekola has expressed dismay over the uncared attitude of Nigerian towards their sporting heroes, saying people from outside the country have shown more concern for the boxer.
COABOX boss, Sola Ayodele, however, singled out the President General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Chief Yemi Soladoye for praise for his personal support and concern for the welfare of the Ibadan born world boxing champion.
A statement issued and signed by the CEO of COABOX, Sola Ayodele and made available to newsmen in Ibadan expressed appreciation to the leadership and members of the CCII for showing great concerns and care to the welfare of Ridwan ‘Scorpion’ since he had won the World Boxing Federation (WBF) belt on 27th November 2020.
The boxer has gotten none or less attention from the expected quarters according to COABOX boss who said people from the neighboring African countries like Ghana, Ivory Coast, Gambia and even South Africa are more concerned about the plight of Ridwan ‘Scorpion’ than from his home front here.
“A fan and philanthropist, Alh. Hamed Hamex in December 2020 gave Scorpion a car gift when he won WBF belt, but he lost the car to an accident when he was waylaid by gunmen and he didn’t have any vehicle of his own presently, the boxing champ now roaming around the street on motorbike.
“We’re grateful to Gov. Seyi Makinde for his good gesture towards the boxer but his ten million cash gift was not enough to give the boxer a comfortable lifestyle because lots of bill have been incurred before the governor’s lifeline, and that is why we are quite grateful to the President of CCII, Chief Soladoye for his love and concern, Ridwan Scorpion”, said Sola Ford as the promoter is popularly called.
He added that there are pressures from African nations to bring the WBF defense title fight to them, promising all logistical support and an enabling environment for the boxer to strive in his career.
