Ibadan-born Rilwan Owolabi Lawal, a multiple medal winning boxer has narrated how being born in Oyo State and living in Somolu, a suburb of Lagos; has inspired him to win more medals for Nigeria
Lawal disclosed this in an exclusive interview with some newsmen recently, describing boxing as a world to him beyond career.
Born into the family of Alhaji Raheem Lawal of Ile Nla compound of Ile Adelabu Penkelemesi at Oke-Oluokun Ibadan South East Local Government, Oyo state, Lawal is a professional boxer under the Nigerian Army Team, promoted by Saleh Fawaz of Saleh Gloves Promotions.
He has a track record of achievements, titles and decorations in the name of Oyo State and Nigeria.
Being a proud Nigerian Army Team fighter, enlisted into the Army in 2013 with number 70RRI, Lawal stated that as a good ambassador of Oyo State to the world, it will be pleasing to see the state government to be part of his success journey on the global map.
His words: “Let me say this as well, the life of a boxer can be very challenging from having access to world-class training facilities to being able to travel to developed society to challenge fighters there, meet promoters of boxing and many others.
“To achieve this generally is where government at various levels and private individuals need to support us, as we cannot do it alone in airlifting our talents and as well represent the country.
“Just in my own case, It will be a great thing if the state government can help in making my boxing journey easier by assisting in the area of finance, official recognition, recommendations and that of morale.
“It is not too good for our government to only come out to claim to love an athlete when he/she has achieved a feat and put the country on world map like what Anthony Joshua and Amusan have done.
“We’re appealing that, they should help us when we truly need it”, he added.
The promising fighter who looks up to Floyd Mayweather has assured that he will be going out to add to his winning medals and with very good performance, in his next bouts.
Lawal is currently the 2022 African Boxing Union Continental Featherweight Champion, 2020 West African Boxing Union Featherweight Champion, 2020 Nigeria Featherweight National Champion.
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