NIGERIAN-born boxer David Izonritei’s career took a giant leap forward on Thursday when it was announced that he will be fighting the new heavyweight champion, Hasim Rahman, in Beijing, China on August 4. Legendary boxing promoter, Don King, announced at a press conference in New York that Izon, as the Nigerian boxer is commonly known, has signed a contract to fight “The Rock” Rahman, who holds the World Boxing Council, International Boxing Federation and International Boxing Organisation crowns. Explaining how Izon came to be chosen to challenge the champion, King said: “Rahman asked for Izon, the man who has three times been denied a fighting opportunity.” – Pana
Thursday May 31, 2001