Boxing Info: Open Letter From Emmanuel Nwodo

Former USBA Cruiserweight Champion Emmanuel “Chukwu” Nwodo was knocked out in a brave effort against Darnell Wilson June 29 on ESPN2. Nwodo suffered a serious eye injury while twice coming off the canvas to take a lead on the scorecards heading into the 11th round.

The exhausted Nwodo was hit with a right hand from Wilson which stunned him. Nwodo attempted to move away from Wilson and survive the round but was caught on the ropes and was knocked out cold by a Wilson left hook before regaining consciousness and congratulating the new champion.

The Nigerian power puncher said, “First id like to thank ESPN for having me on, as well as my promoter Don King, and my good friend Bobby Gunn for helping me prepare for this fight. Not to take anything away from Darnell Wilson, but it was hard for me after the third round when I was head butted and cut because of it. I have never been in ring with such a dirty fighter.

"My friend [IBF Cruiserweight Champion] said he had never seen a fight where someone was using such dirty tactics. I fought 8 rounds with out being able to see out of my left eye. The doctor wanted to stop the fight but I showed the heart I had and refused to quit on my stool. He hit me with some good shots but most of damage was done with his head and elbows”!

Nwodo also expressed an interest in a rematch. “Darnell will not beat me again, a rematch would be great. If I never broke my eye socket, he would have not have been victorious. Everyone who watched the fight knows that Wilson can’t beat me in a clean fight!
His corner was going to stop the fight after the 8th or 9th round because he was losing. I am the only Cruiserweight who can knock Darnell Wilson out. Most importantly, the fans also deserve this rematch and I want to show why Emmanuel Nwodo is the best Cruiserweight in the world so let’s make it happen”!