Nigerian Boxer, Kareem Set To Defend Title In Liverpool

Reigning Commonwealth Super Flyweight champion, Yaqub Kareem is set to defend his title against British Paul Butler on Friday April 12 at the Liverpool Olympia, North West England.

Speaking on modalities employed for the fight, Kareem’s manager, Olatunji Isikiola, who explained that the boxer had maintain good form going into the fight against the British opponent, said the pugilist need the  support of Nigerians, believing the Lagos born boxer would 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, 2013, but the Nigerian has encountered problems being issued with Visa in time and would have thrown doubt about his arrival in the United Kingdom.

“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 born, but we expect fair officiating in the entire duration.

Nevertheless, we want Nigerians to keep praying for us, I can assure you the boy won’t let the country down”, said Isikiola who doubled as Kareem’s coach and manager.

Meanwhile, Isikiola praised the efforts of Samuel Adedayo, Chairman Apapa Iganmu Local Council Development Area, and Chief Olawale Edun, Chairman Lagos Boxing Hall of Fame for their role in supporting the fight.