2014 Commonwealth Games bronze medalist and two-time African Games silver medallist Efetobor Apochi discusses his boxing career, his admiration for Mike Tyson, fighting in Scotland, and more in this interview with PETER AKINBO
Can you tell us about your journey into professional boxing and what motivated you to pursue a career in the sport?
I was born in Ughelli, Delta State, and my father, Isaac Apochi, an engineer, was a devoted boxing fan, especially of Mike Tyson, so I grew up watching boxing due to my late father’s passion. I was also a tough guy in my primary and secondary school, always fighting and getting in trouble. I eventually went to the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, to study Industrial Microbiology. University life in Nigeria was tough, with uncertainties about the future, and then, one day, I got inspired to try boxing and follow in the footsteps of Mike Tyson. So, I went to the stadium one day, where I met my grassroots coach Mark Okoro, and the rest is history.
How do you get prepared mentally and physically for a fight?
I prepare for a fight by consistently training, maintaining a positive mindset, eating properly, and making sure I get enough sleep.
Which boxer has influenced your style or approach to the sport?
Tyson. I am motivated by his story, where he came from and how he grew up. I am the same height as Mike 5.11ft and we also have some similar fighting styles and moves.
What do you see as your greatest strength as a boxer?
My mind. I believe the mind is everything. A person is as they think, so, I always think the way I want to be, which is always winning and that’s my greatest strength.
What have been the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your boxing career, and how have you overcome them?
It was when I experienced two consecutive losses, even though I will say that I wasn’t truly beaten as it was all politics. Then when I had a major shoulder surgery, that was a very challenging period for me but I overcame them with my mind, my ways of thinking, like I said earlier.
How do you deal with the pressure and expectations that come with being a professional boxer?
I just breathe and focus on what I can control, that is the best any athlete can do, regardless of the sport. Just do your best and breathe.
What advice would you offer to aspiring boxers who are looking to succeed in the professional ranks?
Always stay focused and true to yourself, and think about only what you want, not what you don’t want. There is no point in dwelling on the negatives, so, just focus on the things you want. You also have to train smart, not too hard.
What are your goals and aspirations as a boxer?
I still have aspirations to be a world champion and fight that mega money fight, the type of fights that would make me huge bucks. In the long term, I would like to have my own management and promotion company and use my energy to inspire the next generation.
What has been the most memorable moment of your boxing career so far?
The most memorable moments were getting three medals for Nigeria in three different championships. Two silver medals at the African Games and one at the Commonwealth Games. It was also very memorable to lead the national team for four years.
How significant was it for you to represent Nigeria internationally, and what does it mean to you?
It felt very good to be a respected member of the federation and it felt great to be honored by the national team. It’s part of my history and every time I’m representing the country, it means a lot to me.
You earned a bronze medal at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, how was the experience in Scotland like?
I don’t think I won a bronze medal, instead I will say I earned the bronze, because I lost the semi-final then. You can only win a gold medal, not bronze, but it was a great experience and quite challenging. At that stage, I felt the whole pressure, sometimes focusing on the wrong things, not knowing better like I do now but it was all great and an eye-opening experience for me. I love it.
What influence do you hope to have on boxing globally?
I would love to create my own history that will always be remembered by winning a major professional title. I also want to make money, so, I want to cash out as much as I can, so, I will be able to give life to the mentally dead and also inspire the next generation.
Have you ever felt like quitting boxing?
Yes, I have. After my shoulder surgery, I felt like I was going to quit, it was a very tough time for me and it was the first time I ever considered leaving boxing. It was a bit hard for my mind to comprehend my wholeness and make a comeback to professional boxing but my wife, Dr. Nino Apochi, kept reminding me of who I told her I was, and that is ‘The Champ’!
What do you enjoy most about being a pro boxer, and what keeps you motivated to continue competing?
There is a lot I love about boxing. I have always loved boxing since I was a kid in school, so, it has been a part of me. I love the health benefits, of course, it helps to be in the best shape ever with the physical fitness involved with staying active in the sport. There is also the entertainment side of it and since I was younger, I have always loved to entertain. So, I think that is why boxing fits me and I love it so much.
How did you deal with the losses in your career and what do you learn from them?
In reality, I believe I have never truly lost a fight, so, I don’t know what it feels like to be beaten. However, if we are talking about the setbacks in the business I do, all I can do is what Bob Marley said, ‘Don’t worry about a thing because every little thing is going to be alright.’ That’s how I move forward and keep pushing myself to continue fighting.
What are the options you are considering after retirement?
I think about that a lot, and you know I am an Igbo man, which means we have to get involved in business, just anything that will bring money. So, my plans are to have multiple businesses outside of boxing. I am also going to invest in boxing management and promotions because I love boxing and I will never leave it entirely.
Have you ever encountered discrimination in your profession?
I have not experienced racism from white people, but in Nigeria, I believe I have faced significant oppression. It's baffling to be born in a place abundant with natural resources like crude oil, gold, diamonds, and uranium, yet the nation and its people are not thriving. It feels like unjust suffering for no reason, and that's the oppression I have experienced.
Do you refrain from having sex before fights?
Yes, I do. Boxers don't engage in sexual activities during training camp. There's no room for romantic pleasure when preparing for a fight. Before my last fight in February, I abstained for two months. It made me feel powerful when I got back into the ring, and that contributed to my knockout victory.
Finally, what message do you want to convey to your fans?
The words we use in our everyday conversations have control over the universe. We have the power similar to the God of the universe, as everything originates from words and nothing can oppose them. We are impacted by these words, so I encourage everyone to think and speak positively, offer more praise, and criticize less.