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As a part of ways to promote combat sports in Nigeria, former Nigerian kickboxer and MMA star Lovethpatra Ekufu has revealed that she will be partnering with Nollywood actors and social media content creators to launch a first-of-its-kind Celebrity Global Fight Concert.
The event, which will be held for the first time in February 2024, is targeted at boosting the popularity of combat sports, showcasing how entertainment and sports can intertwine, and grassroots sports as well as tourism.
Organized by Diamond Sports Promotion, the Celebrity Global Fight Concert models the American entertainment industry where movie stars are sometimes engaged in combat for entertainment and tourism purposes.
Speaking ahead of the event slated to be held in Abuja later in February, the Nigerian Mixed Martial Artist said, “When you look at the WWE, you see the likes of The Rock, and other Hollywood stars that still go to the cage, or even the boxing ring. That’s the level of awareness we are trying to bring down to Nigeria.
“When we do this, we, in turn, promote grassroots sports development and amateur sports, and also create opportunities for tourism,” Ekufu emphasized.
“Subsequently, we want our celebrities to be able to challenge any of their counterparts abroad, to a fight, that’s why it’s called a Global Fight Concert.”
According to Godwin Okon-Wilson, the president of the Kickboxing Federation of Nigeria (KBFN), it is “amazing” seeing Nigerian celebrities willing to partake in such an idea. “We (as a federation) are here to support,” he added.
The likes of Kelvin Ikeduba, Rykardo Agbo, MC Bob, King Zina, Laide Bakare, Chizzy Alichi, Sarki Dariya, Sir One (Woman Leader), Untouchable Comedy and Shortcut, are some of the stars expected to participate in the one-vs-one faceoffs slated for Transcorp Hilton in Abuja.
It is a good thing that this is happening in the country, bringing combat sports and boxing to entertainment. Why should it always be football [that gets all the attention]? It shouldn’t be football alone,” Nollywood actor Ikeduba stated.
Sharing his sentiments, colleague Chizzy Alichi-Mbah, one of the celebrities expected to participate in the female one-on-one category, added that she hoped the event could be a source of inspiration for upcoming athletes.
“This is a unique part of entertainment and I’m happy to be part of it, and I believe from this, the youth and the younger ones will have the courage to pick up something to venture into,” the multi-award-winning actress added.
The Celebrity Global Fight Concert will be held in Abuja, on Saturday, February 24, 2024. CGFCONCERT is focused on Athleticism, Sportsmanship and Entertainment.
