However, Ebenezer aka Anambra Tiger insisted Godwin Emirate pulled out of the fight to avoid been punished.
Michael "Emirate" Godwin has pulled out of the Heavyweight title bout against Ebenezer 'Anambra Tiger' Okoli at the GoTv Boxing Night 7
Ebenezer "Anambra Tiger" will now fight Abiodun "Finito Wonder" Afinnih at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Lagos, on May 1, 2016.
Okoli was initially billed to fight Michael "Emirate" in a national challenge contest but pulled out of the duel, citing injury.
However, Ebenezer aka Anambra Tiger insisted Godwin Emirate pulled out of the fight to avoid been punished.
In his words, "He is afraid of the punishment I promised to mete out to him in the ring. He called me an old man, but I warned him that I may look old, but I have a sound engine. That was what scared him off. One day, I hope to meet him and teach him not to talk carelessly."
Afinnih, an experienced boxer, disclosed that he has been seeking an opportunity to fight and now that this has come, he is ready to show the world the stuff he is made of.
Speaking further, Afinnih said, "Okoli calls himself Anambra Tiger. Well, I am not called Finito Wonder for nothing. I will finish him off in the second round, when my punches will change him from a tiger to a cat. Okoli is in trouble."