*says
he has no regrets but...
* lingering strikes in universities bites hard
* lingering strikes in universities bites hard
Former
African and Commonwealth super lightweight champion Obisi Nwakpa has
finally retired from the Services of both the Nigerian Boxing Federation and National Sports Commission on attainment of the mandatory
retirement age. The former national boxing coach told News and
Sports in an interview in Lagos that he leaves as a happy man
because “the country has given me recognition for selfless service far more
than I ever expected. I leave with no regrets. This is the third time in my life that I have had
unprecedented changes in life. First time was when I retired from boxing; second
was when I left the Army in the; and now leaving the Public
Service at this time.
As an amateur, he was supreme winning All Africa Games and Commonwealth Games gold medals and then a professional career brought even brighter and bigger fame for boxer and country.Known
in his days as the “Golden Boy” of boxing in Nigeria, Obisia
reached his peak with a shot at the world title in Lagos against
champion- Saoul Mamby
in 1981 and lost.
On previous occasions that I saw changes in my life, I transition
was smooth because for instance,the Army gave me everything I needed
to move on and to date, they still accorded me immeasurable
recognition . And when I quit boxing, I found it easy switching to
coaching. However, things may not be the same now because the
lingering strike by university lecturers has distorted my plans. I
had looked forward to my youngest children graduating this year to
coincide with my retirement plans and I would be free of worries.
However, with situation in high institutions all over Nigeria, I have
doubts about my children. So, the struggle continues. But I have
lived a fulfilled life any sportsman would dream of” he added
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