Nigeria's WBF International Champion Abby Mary Yetunde Aina is scheduled to challenge Britain’s Nicola Hopewell for the Commonwealth flyweight title on Saturday, October 19th at Skate Central in Sheffield, Yorkshire, England.
The Nigerian pugilist, popularly known as the “Iron Lady” and also a corporal in the Nigeria Police Force, expressed her determination to win in an exclusive interview with our correspondent on Wednesday.
“I want to win this battle for the glory of Nigeria and the Nigeria Police Force,” Abiy said.
“My manager is also rooting for me, so I want to take this belt home. I’ve been training and I’m still training, but I’m hoping for a good result on Saturday.”
Abbey, who has an impressive record of 12 wins (10 KOs) and 1 loss, will face Hopewell, the current Commonwealth Flyweight Champion, who has a record of 5 wins (1 KOKO) and 1 loss. -The aging Nigerian is looking to bounce back from her controversial first career loss, a majority decision loss to French boxer Jayssa Marcel in Nantes, France.
Abbey expressed dissatisfaction with the result, claiming that it was annulled by unfair home advantage.
"Despite the fact that she (Marcel) is bigger than me, they used the home advantage against her, so I wasn’t happy with the result,” Abby told PUNCH Sports Extra after the match. Ta.
However, the setback did not deter Abby’s aspirations to become world champion. “I know I feel cheated, but life goes on. I will never give up until I become world champion,” she declared.
Abby’s power punching talent is evident in her record, with 10 of her 12 wins coming by knockout. She will need to be at her best in her first title defense against Hopewell.
This fight is an important opportunity for Abbey not only to win a major title, but also to put Nigerian boxing on the world map. The victory is a historic achievement for both Abiy and the Nigeria Police Force and could open the door to further international opportunities for the Nigerian boxer.
As the fight approaches, boxing enthusiasts in Nigeria and abroad will be watching intently to see if ‘The Iron Lady’ can add a title to the WBF International Super Flyweight Championship.
