Reigning Commonwealth super flyweight champion, Yaqub Kareem, is set to defend his title against British Paul Butler on April 12 at the Liverpool Olympia, England.
Speaking on modalities employed for the fight, Kareem's manager, Olatunji Isikiola said the boxer had maintained good form going into the fight against the British opponent. He, however, solicit more support from Nigerians, believing the Lagos State-born boxer will not disappoint the country.
Kareem has never fought outside of Africa, with 11 of his fights held in Ghanaian capital city Accra, while Butler's nine career wins include four knockouts, and none of those stoppages was more impactful than his first round devastating punch against John Donnelly after just 69 seconds.
The fight was originally scheduled for February 26, but the Nigerian encountered visa problems.
"I have no doubt Kareem is in good shape for this fight. He's been training hard for over three weeks now and we look forward to victory against the opponent. It's quite true that Butler is British, but we expect fair officiating in the contest. Nevertheless, we want Nigerians to keep praying for us, I can assure you the boy won't let the country down," Isikiola said.
