NIGERIA MASTERWEB DAILY NEWS

*In Pictures: KnocK Out That Made Nigerian U.S. Boxing Champ

[ Photos Arranged In Order of Events ]

By Masterweb News Desk

The Nigerian Gentleman (TNG), Enobong Umohette was on March 20, crowned Wisconsin State Heavyweight Boxing Champion, after he sent defending champion, Lyle McDowell ("The Iceman") crashing to the canvass in the 7th round of the scheduled 8 round fight. The title fight, was the main event of the boxing promotion dubbed "Combat at the Crowne" held at Crown Plaza Milwaukee Airport, 6401 South 13th Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53221, USA.

McDowell who won the State heavyweight boxing title in 1992, successfully defended it until his encounter with Umohette. Many observers say the Nigerian Gentleman was too good to have been able to beat McDowell, who was indomitable in Wisconsin boxing.

Ironically, McDowell was knocked out in the 7th round to lose the title as he knocked out Michael Arms on August 12, 1992 to win it.

Umohette, an ardent Christian and social crusader/public commentator says his march would continue until he clenches the world heavyweight title. Many concur to this.

Below are photos from the fight, arranged as events occurred.

Photo Above: Umohette and McDowell trade punches

Photo Above: 7th Round: McDowell knocked out face-up on the floor

Photo Above: 7th Round: McDowell unable to get up and fight after knock out

Photo Above: Umohette declared winner & new Wisconsin Heavyweight Champion. The referee raises Umohette's right hand and another official (holding Umohette's new belt) raises his left.

Photo Above: Enobong Umohette makes acceptance speech of title after declaration as winner

Photo Above: Enobong Umohette surrounded by fans after declaration as winner by TKO

*Enobong Umohette Writes Fans, Nigerians & The World

PRESS STATEMENT By ENOBONG UMOHETTE

Dear Good People,

It is with utmost humility and gratitude that I announce to you our victory in the USA Wisconsin State Heavy Weight Title fight over the Weekend.

With respect and awe, I salute the out going Champion Mr Lyle (The Iceman) McDowell, who is a true champion indeed. He fought gallantly and traded punches with me even till the last minute, showing his wealth of experience, craft and power.

Despite going down in the fight already, The Iceman arose to his feet and fought on, rattling me several times during the proceedings.

The epic fight came to a close at 1.18secs into the 7th round of the scheduled 8 round fight, as I stopped The Iceman via a TKO (Technical Knock Out) to become the first Nigerian to be privileged to hold this prestigious title in the State of Wisconsin.

Going into that fight, I was fully aware that I was heavily outgunned, out-sized and outweighed in terms of experience.

However, the unknown factor that drove my tact, craft and resilience that night was that I had a cross section of the Nigerian and Milwaukee community with me at ring side and also had your invisible force of energy through prayer and support as I went up against the highly decorated Veteran.

It was a tough and grueling battle indeed and even when I took such heavy dazzling punches from The Iceman; I looked through the ropes and heard the voice of your prayers and encouragement that has constantly come my way and was energized to stay the course.

To all of you out there, who have given me, emotional, spiritual and material support in this campaign, I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart and to assure you that your sacrifice is not in vain, but is inspiring a new generation of civil society, political class and sports men and women in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria and all over the world.

To the very special few, who have sacrificed hard earned resources to support this noble cause and who have invested a lot of time and energy knocking doors and pulling down barriers of age, race and gender to put this vision out there, though you are all too shy to see your name in print or accept public credit; The Almighty creator knows you all by heart and name and will through my unending gratitude reward you for all you have done to support this journey of destiny.

The task ahead is enormous and there will be dark days, challenges and frustration along the way but I call on you all, to always remember the larger picture, which is to INSPIRE our young ones at home to shun violence and crime but to pursue noble dreams, honest endeavours and to show love, charity and support for one another.

The journey has begun!

To this regard, I wish to Thank His Excellency, The Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, (Obong) Godswill Akpabio, whose dynamic leadership back in my home state is part of the inspiring factor that gives me a solemn conviction that Akwa Ibom State, no matter the challenges is moving forward for the better.

I offer my condolence to all the families of loved ones perished recently in the violent upheavals in Jos, Plateau State of Northern Nigeria. I condemn in entirety any individual who professes, supports or implements violence in any form as a tool of political or religious expression. All mankind are one; brothers and sisters irrespective of race, gender or religion. It is a shame to unjustly take the life of our own kind.

Despite the inherent diversity and complications in the instruments and ideology of our national franchise, The Laws of the Land remain supreme and with a Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in Person of His Excellency Dr. Goodluck Johnathan steering the ship of leadership, there are available, legal, constitutional, diplomatic and bureaucratic channels to address differences.

On a final note, I am now the USA Wisconsin State Heavy Weight champion and will continue in my inevitable journey towards World Championship carrying you along with me in this campaign in and out of the ring and when my days are done in the distant future and it is time to take stock, I will soberly ask myself, "How do I want to be remembered as a Champion?"

I want to be remembered as a Champion who was not known by his wins or losses or abilities in the ring, but one who was humble, respected the sports with a passion and who was a social crusader contributing his quota to the human and capital development of his people. One who is an unrelenting supporter and crusader for human and social rights and most importantly, a Champion who directly touched the lives and hearts of many by inspiring, through his life's struggles in and out of the boxing ring.

Once again, I am humbled and honoured to have you in my corner and say a big thank you. See you again soon at ring side.

The Journey continues.

Sincerely

TNG (THE NIGERIAN GENTLEMAN), Enobong Umohette

*ALSO READ RELATED STORY "Nigerian Wins US Heavyweight Boxing Title" AT:- http://nigeriamasterweb.com/blog/index.php/2010/03/21/title_5

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*Tags: Nigerians, Enobong, Umohette, Gentleman, Lyle, McDowell, Africa, Crown, Plaza, Milwaukee, Masterweb