Today we’d like to introduce you to Emeka Nwokolo.
Hi Emeka, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Until five years ago, I lived in Benin City, Nigeria. My Dad, Charles Nwokolo aka Young Dick Tiger, represented Nigeria in the 84’ Olympics and was a Champion boxer who moved to Los Angeles to continue his professional boxing career in 86’, headlining in places like the Forum here in LA and Caesar’s Palace in Vegas. But I grew up in Nigeria with my Mom, Step-Dad and three siblings. I didn’t box. I played soccer, or football, as we call it. I had a passion for it. I was always one of the best on my teams. I loved to perform. I came to LA to live with my Dad and pursue a professional soccer career. But life took me in another direction; after a bad ankle injury I had to give up my soccer dream. So I learned how to hold mitts and train people along side my Dad at his boxing gym in WeHo: Tiger Boxing Gym. Then one night, returning from a production assistant job on a set in Malibu, my tire blew out and my car went careening off of the cliff, rolling over and over until it landed at the bottom, upside down. By some miracle, I was not injured and managed to eventually push open the door enough to squeeze out of the car. Another miracle helped me to scale the mountain I had just come down on this rainy dark night. My body was intact with barely a scratch. But I had some kind of emotional unease for months, trying to understand why I survived, what my purpose was going forward. Unexpectedly I pivoted to boxing. It was as if everything in my life had lead to this moment. After only 1 year of intensive work with my Dad, he decided I was ready to turn pro. In august of 2021, I had my first professional boxing match and it’s been non stop since then. 11 months later, my record is 7-1 with 7KOs.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Every step of my journey, even pre boxing, I have encountered obstacles. Looking back, it now seems like these obstacles were placed on my path so I could develop the mental strength and coping skills which now help me In my boxing career. My very 1st fight my opponent pulled out and I was given a more experienced opponent last minute, my 2nd fight I was given a south paw opponent when I had been told he was orthodox. But there are no excuses, no obstacles….only solutions.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
In my boxing I am known for my motivation. Boxing is a lonely sport and every day I must motivate myself to rise early and workout intensely 2x / day. As I motivate myself, I use social media to motivate others. My followers see that I never ever give up, in and out of the ring. But I am also a creative. I am known for directing and editing my own videos, I rap for fun, I do humorous skits. This creative side helps me to relax and I enjoy expressing myself in a different way. I have also developed a fitness program for children called KidFit, using my soccer and boxing training to instill discipline and respect in the youth I work with.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
Well the beginning of the Covid crisis coincides with the beginning of my boxing career. All of this time alone with my family helped me to focus myself. I learned how important my family is and how much they love and support me.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @Emeka7o7, @emeka7o7KidFit, @7o7artkidfit
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kkfw.nwokolo.7
Image Credits
Geoff Browne Elizabeth Wilson
