Two months before to my last argument, I stopped having sex. – Apochi
In this interview with PETER AKINBO, boxer Efetobor Apochi, a two-time African Games silver medallist and bronze medallist from the 2014 Commonwealth Games, discusses his boxing career, his respect for Mike Tyson, fighting in Scotland, and other topics.
Could you describe your path to becoming a professional boxer and what motivated you to follow this line of work?
I was raised watching boxing because of my late father, Isaac Apochi, an engineer who was born in Ughelli, Delta State.
He was an avid boxing fan, especially of Mike Tyson. In my elementary and senior schools, I was also known as “Mr. Tough Guy,” constantly fighting and getting into trouble.
In the end, I decided to continue my studies by studying industrial microbiology at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri.
One day, while I was struggling through a difficult time at university in Nigeria and feeling a lot of uncertainty about the future, an idea struck me: “Why not try boxing and become like Mike Tyson?” Thus, one day I went to the stadium, where I ran into my local coach Mark Okoro, and the rest is history.
How do you get ready for a fight—both physically and mentally?
My preparation for a fight involves training consistently, keeping an optimistic outlook, eating healthily, and getting enough sleep.
Which boxer do you think had the biggest influence on your technique or philosophy?
Tyson. His background and upbringing have impacted me greatly. Mike and I both stand at the same height of 5.11 feet, and we also move and fight similarly.
As a boxer, what do you think your best suit is?
My thoughts. The mentality is everything, in my opinion. Since a man is just as good as his thoughts, my biggest strength is that I always think like a winner.
What have been the toughest obstacles you have had to overcome in your boxing career?
That was when I lost two games in a row, though I won’t say I was really defeated because it was all political.
The period following my major shoulder surgery was really difficult for me, but as I already mentioned, I conquered it with the help of my thoughts and mental processes.
How do you manage the demands and scrutiny that come with being a boxer in the professional ranks?
The best any athlete, regardless of sport, can do is to just breathe and concentrate on what they can manage. Just breathe and try your hardest.
What guidance would you provide prospective fighters hoping to break into the pros?
Remain self-aware and attentive at all times. Consider just what you desire, not what you don’t. Just concentrate on the things you want; there’s no use in obsessing over the bad. Not too rigorous, but sensible training is also required.
As a boxer, what are your hopes and objectives?
My goals remain to become a world champion and compete in high-profile battles that would bring in enormous sums of money.
My long-term goals are to start my own management and promotion firm and utilize my passion to motivate the next generation.
What has been the most noteworthy experience you have had as a boxer thus far?
The three medals Nigeria won in three different championships rank among the most memorable memories.
one silver medal at the Commonwealth Games and two at the African Games. Leading the national squad for four years was an extremely memorable experience as well.
What does it mean to you, and how significant was it for you to represent Nigeria internationally?
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Being honored to be a part of the federation and to have the national team recognize you both felt great. It means a great deal to me each time I represent the nation since it is a part of my history.
At the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, you took home a bronze medal. Tell us about your experience there in Scotland.
Since I was eliminated in the semifinal, I shall state that I received the bronze medal instead of believing that I had won it.
Bronze medals are not possible; only gold medals are; however, it was an amazing and difficult experience.
I experienced a lot of pressure at that point, occasionally focusing on the wrong things since I didn’t know any better than I do now, but overall, it was fantastic and eye-opening. I adore it.
What kind of worldwide influence do you intend to have on boxing?
I would adore to win a significant professional title and write my own piece of history that will never be forgotten.
In addition, I want to become wealthy as much as possible so that I can encourage the future generation and revive the psychologically dead.
Have you ever considered giving up boxing?
Indeed, I have. I had a very difficult time following my shoulder surgery, and it was the first time I had ever thought about giving up boxing. I felt like I was going to give up.
It took me a while to realize that I was healthy and that I could return to professional boxing, but Dr. Nino Apochi, my wife, constantly reminded me that I was “The Champ,” as I had told her!
What drives you to keep competing, and what do you like best about being a professional boxer?
I have a lot of affection for boxing. Boxing has always been a part of me; I’ve enjoyed it since I was a student.
Of course, I adore the health advantages—maintaining the physical fitness required to play the sport keeps me in the best form ever.
Additionally, there is the entertainment aspect, which I have always enjoyed doing since I was younger. That’s why I believe boxing is a great fit for me and why I enjoy it so much.
What lessons did you take away from your career’s setbacks, and how did you handle them?
I don’t know what it feels like to be defeated because, in all honesty, I don’t think I have ever really lost a fight. But when it comes to the obstacles I face in my line of work, all I can do is remember Bob Marley’s advice to “don’t worry about a thing because every little thing is going to be alright.” I force myself to keep battling and moving forward in this way.
What post-retirement possibilities are you thinking about?
I give that a lot of thought, and since I’m an Igbo man, we must engage in business or anything else that can generate revenue.
I therefore intend to pursue a variety of ventures outside of boxing. Because I am a huge boxing fan and will never completely give it up, I am also going to invest in boxing management and promotions.
Has racism ever affected you professionally?
White people’s racism, no. However, I think that’s where I encountered the most oppression in this nation (Nigeria).
Is it not juju if you are born in an area with abundant natural riches like gold, diamonds, uranium, crude oil, and many others, yet your country and its people are not prospering? That is the oppression I feel—just suffering needlessly.
Before a confrontation, do you avoid having sex?
Of course I do, yes. A boxer’s training camp does not involve sexual activity of any kind. It is not possible to engage in personal relationships while getting ready for a battle; discipline lacks romantic appeal.
I had been gone from fighting for two months before to my most recent fight in February. I felt like a monster when I entered the ring again, and that is what enabled me to win via knockout.
Finally, what message do you want to send to your followers?
The things that govern the cosmos are the words we use in our daily discourse. We possess the same power as the universe’s God; nothing can stop the power that comes from words.
These words also benefit and curse us; thus, I would like to encourage everyone to think and speak positively, to give more praise and less criticism.
