Nigeria’s Yetunde Odunuga says Marcelat Sakobi bit her left shoulder but the DR_ _Congo boxer has rubbished the allegation
For Nigeria’s Yetunde Odunuga, her participation in the 2017 Africa Boxing Championships in Congo Brazzaville must have been a rude welcome to her debut in a senior international competition.
Pitted against DR Congo’s Marcelat Sakobi in the female final lightweight bout, Odunuga said she was on course to a comfortable win but out of the blue came Sakobi’s sharp teeth that bit her left shoulder in the third round.
“It was so painful, I lost concentration in the third round, I just don’t know why she decided to bite me,” Odunuga told *BOXERSWORLD* online boxing site in a telephone interview from Abuja where she was representing Nigeria Defence Forces in the Africa Military Games.
Sakobi outpointed Odunuga to win her first gold in the Africa Championships with Odunuga returning home with a silver medal.
“I was winning the fight because I know I was ahead in the first two rounds,” said Odunuga but Sakobi has hit back strongly accusing the Nigerian boxer of malice and an attempt to tarnish her image.
“I question the motive behind this belated claim coming seven years later, why didn’t she complain that time we fought,” a fuming Sakobi said from Belgium where she is pursuing a professional boxing career.
“I complained to the referee but he ignored me, Sakobi timed her evil act by making sure the referee was behind her back when she bit me,” went on Odunuga who is baying for Sakobi’s blood in a rematch.
Sakobi made it clear she’s deeply committed to fair play, integrity and justice when she’s in the ring.
“Why should I bite my opponent,” wondered
Sakobi, adding: “I’m very committed to the values of integrity, respect and justice both in my professional career and personal life. These principles guide me in whatever I do in life and in my boxing career. I beat the Nigerian boxer fairly now she’s creating lies to hide her shame.
“Does she have any evidence to support her malicious allegation? I will not allow unfounded accusations to cast doubts on my dedication and honesty in boxing.”
Now the Nigerian boxer wants to face Sakobi in what she said will be a fair fight.
“I want to meet her again anywhere she’s going to see fire, I’m ready for her even at her home in DRC,” said a defiant Odunuga.
Sakobi retorted on Odunuga’s challenge:”This time she will not finish the fight because I’m so angry on her unfounded allegation, I will knock her out or win on stoppage.”
Perhaps a rematch in IBA Champions Night series will be a perfect setting for the two boxers to settle their scores.
