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Executive Governor of Imo State Government House, Owerri

Forwarded by:

UGORJI O. UGORJI Publisher, Sungai Books, Princeton, NJ, USA

TRIBUTE TO DICK TIGER

The following is the FOREWORD written by Governor Achike Udenwa of Imo State, in the book, "Dick Tiger: The Life and Times of Africa's Most Accomplished World Boxing Champion." The book was written By Damola Ifaturoti, and published in 2002 by Sungai Books, a division of the Sungai Corporation. Paperback: $14.95; Hardback: $29.95

Dick Tiger poses with flexed arm and gloves 1962
ALSO SEE: "REMEMBER DICK TIGER"

ew Nigerians have transcended the nation's boundaries to become world figures. The late Richard Ihetu (also known as Dick Tiger) was much more than an African icon, he was a world champion in more ways than one. His legacy was left not only on the canvass of boxing, but more importantly in the hearts of the kinsmen for whom he sacrificed.

I am delighted to write the Foreword to this biography. Dick Tiger was from the great State of Imo, where I have the honor and humility in serving as the current Chief Executive. So, with gratitude to both the author, Mr. Damola Ifaturoti, and the publisher, Dr. Ugorji O. Ugorji, I offer these few words on behalf of all people who saw in Dick Tiger, images of greatness both in sports and in humanity.

During the brief 42 years of his remarkable life, this son of a chicken farmer from Amaigbo Orlu, appeared like a shooting star and took his place in the galaxy of human history. In doing so, he made history as the first African born pugilist to win undisputed world boxing championships in two different classes. He would become world champion three times, securing for himself, as Ifaturoti asserts, the status of Africa's most accomplished world boxing champion in modern history.

In many ways the Dick Tiger story is the story of his kinsmen. From the obscurity of the commercial city of Aba, and through hard work, fortified with a quintessential sense of purpose, he rose to command the respect of the world. As is characteristic of his kinsmen, he traveled the world over, making every port of call a home away from home. And when fate called for men to come home and stand up for what was right, as it did from 1967 to 1970 in Nigeria, he risked everything and chose his kinsmen over the accolades of opportunism.

Nigeria, the nation whose flag he carried proudly into the rings as world champion, has never given this legend the recognition and celebration he deserves. Ifaturoti is doing so in "Dick Tiger: The Life and Times of Africa's Most Accomplished World Boxing Champion."

Dick Tiger in the Morale Corps of the Biafra army

It is particularly remarkable that this biographical effort has been put together, not by one of Dick Tiger's kinsmen, but by our brother from the Western axis of the River Niger divide. Ifaturoti must be praised and celebrated for this effort. Besides the exciting and authoritative information that the book offers readers, the book is a timely and welcome contribution in Nigeria's on-going soul search for our purpose as a nation, and for a more perfect federation.

The reality of boxing, nonetheless, is that it remains the preserve of poor young men. It is rare that a well educated child from a background of opulence makes boxing a career choice. And while all sports, including boxing, must be encouraged and celebrated in Nigeria, those of us in government must ensure that every child gets the kind of education and employment opportunities where the choice of boxing or any other sport, as a career, is out of love and gift for the sport, not as a matter of simple survival.

We in Imo State have been blessed over the years with the gift of the brightest and most hard working students in Nigeria. Unfortunately the education of our youth in environments that are comfortable enough to facilitate learning, had been neglected by past (military) administrations. My administration has made tremendous strides in our declared mission to reverse that legacy. We still have a long way to go, but I am irrevocably committed to providing, within the confines of our limited resources, the type of quality education (including well trained and well compensated teachers) that our students and scholars deserve.

I must commend the publisher of Sungai Books for his commitment in facilitating the revitalization of the educational enterprise in Nigeria. Sungai Books has become the audacious outlet for such works as "Dick Tiger: The Life and Times of Africa's Most Accomplished World Boxing Champion." I look forward to the completion of Sunga's African headquarters at Owerri.

I highly recommend the book. As a piece of literature, the unlaboured writing style makes the book quite easy to read and comprehend. In this document of recorded history, the author educates and enlightens superlatively, and succeeds in reminding us of our capacity for greatness, both individually (as in the case of Richard Ihetu) and collectively as a nation.

May the glorious and triumphant spirit of Dick Tiger continue to inspire us all.

Chief Achike Udenwa
Executive Governor of Imo State
Government House, Owerri