History Of Michael Ọkpara (Power Mike), The Great Wrestler.
Michael Ọkpara a.k.a Power Mike was born in Aug. 1939 in Neni in todays Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State.
Power Mike was a professional wrestler and boxer.
In 1952 he left his village for Ọnịcha, in order to learn how to organise and run a trade business.
In the same year he joined Dick Tiger Boxing Club as a middleweight amateur boxer and met Dick Ihetu Tiger, his role model.
In 1961, he started a nationwide tour which took him to Ọnịcha Enugwu, Aba, Port Harcourt, Lagos, Jos and Kaduna.
In 1964, he went to Ghana and his performances there were successful. He defeated many.
In 1967, he toured Cote d’Ivoire and Senegal before he found his way into Europe, accompanied by his friend Engr. Onyesọ, (the Igwe of Nri) He defeated many heavyweights in Europe.
In 1967, he got a one-year contract in Sweden after which he went to Greece and became a professional wrestler. He defeated many wrestlers in Greece.
In 1970, he returned to Africa& defeated Gambia’s Masambula to become the African heavyweight wrestling champion and title holder.
In 1973, Power Mike wrestled and defeated Ali Baba of Lebanon; he also defeated Johnny Kwango in Lagos.
He retired from active wrestling in 1976 and focused on international promotions.
In 2004, Power Mike died at the age of 64.
Okonkwo Asaa, has a hit, praising Power Mike!
Credit: Igbo History
