By Francis Ajuonuma
Nigeria’s WBC Muay Thai champion, Sodiq Mohammed A.K.A Target, says he has not turned his focus to winning the world title presently in the custody Spanish fighter, Antonio Orden.
Target made the declaration moments after destroying bitter rival, Police man, Akeem Oyeniyi A.K.A Osaka to submission to win the national featherweight (57KG) title on Saturday at the multipurpose indoor sports hall of the National Stadium, Lagos.
It took Mohammed only one minute and few seconds, using combination of body punches and leg strikes to send Osaka to early sleep to the surprise of spectators, who had anticipated a tough fight between both fighters, who are seen as the best in the country in their weight category and have met severally.
Speaking on his victory, Target said hardwork and determination to become a world champion are the driving forces behind his win against Osaka, who was left speechless after the bout.
“I’m very, very happy and I want to thank God, my family, my fans, coaches for their full support of everything and also I’m thanking WBC Muay Thai Federation of Nigeria for giving me this opportunity today.
“Yes, I’ve to give my best because number one, president of WBC Muay Thai Federation of Nigeria is here, WBC Muay Thai Africa is here, and also my fans, family, friends are all here and I don’t want to put them in shame, so I had to my fight my best.
“After here I’ll be going for the world championship. I’m very, very prepared for it. As a Muay Thai fighter the secret to success is regular training. So, I always train and train hard, and if the opportunity presents itself i’ll be ready to go for it,” Mohammed said.
In another professional fight, Christian Chima had to wait untill the last round of their five rounds contest to beat Rilwan Sadu by split decision. Sadu had dominated the first four rounds and looks good to win but lost concentration in the fifth round allowing Chima to amass some points with telling punches and leg strikes.
In the amateur fights, fought earlier, Nurat Lasisi beat Fatia Suleman in the women’s 45kg bout, Chibuike Sam NWEKE walked over Ikechukwu Okafor and in another keenly contested fight in the men’s 57KG, Gideon Ndidi defeated Abdusalam Ramadan by split decision while Rilwan Yahaya lost to Israel Olakunle in the men’s 60 KG contest.
