Nigerian boxer Abbey Mary Yetunde Aina, known as the “Iron Lady,” is gearing up to face British champion Nicola Hopewell for the Commonwealth flyweight title on October 19 at Skate Central in Sheffield, Yorkshire. Abbey, a corporal in the Nigeria Police Force, highlighted her motivation for the fight in an interview, stating that she wants to win not only for personal glory but also to represent Nigeria and her police force. She emphasized her commitment to bringing the championship belt back home and expressed confidence in her training regime leading up to the match.
Abbey enters this bout with a notable professional record of 12 wins, with 10 of those victories achieved by knockout, and just one defeat. She will be challenging Hopewell, who has a record of five wins, one of which is by knockout, against one loss. Abbey, 27, is eager to bounce back from her previous fight, where she suffered a controversial majority decision loss to French boxer Jeyssa Marcel, which Abbey claims was influenced by home advantage. Despite her frustration over that result, Abbey remains focused on her goal of becoming a world champion.
The recent loss has fueled Abbey’s determination, as she candidly expressed her dissatisfaction with the decision, asserting she was wronged due to her opponent’s geographical advantage. She is undeterred by setbacks in her career and believes in the importance of perseverance, stating, “I will never relent until I become a world champion.” Her knockout power has been a defining feature of her fighting style, which will be critical in her matchup against the reigning champion, Hopewell, who is poised to defend her title for the first time.
The upcoming fight symbolizes a landmark opportunity for Abbey to not only secure a significant title but also uplift the profile of Nigerian boxing on a global scale. A win would mark a historic moment for Abbey, reinforcing her status in the sport and potentially catalyzing more opportunities for other Nigerian boxers on the international front. As a representative of her country and the police force, a victory would resonate well beyond personal achievement.
As the match date approaches, anticipation builds among boxing fans in Nigeria and around the world, who are eager to see if Abbey can add the Commonwealth title to her accolades, complementing her status as the WBF International Super-Flyweight champion. The spirit of competition is palpable, and Abbey’s journey reflects the broader aspirations of Nigerian athletes striving for recognition in the global sports arena.
In conclusion, Abbey Mary Yetunde Aina embodies the resilience and ambition of Nigerian boxers as she prepares to face Nicola Hopewell. Her commitment to her nation and pride in her profession as a police corporal are intertwined with her sporting aspirations. The outcome of this bout could serve as an inspiration for many and potentially change the trajectory of her boxing career, paving the way for future achievements and recognition for Nigeria in the world of boxing.
