Nigerian born professional wrestler, Augustine Okafor, popularly known as Sharpman is a powerful master of the game, and a great wrestler of all time who has been making life miserable for his opponents in Nigerian squared circles and even beyond, having competed in Cameroon, Mali, Central African Republic, Ghana and Benin Republic before now.
Nigeria’s professional wrestler of standard and appreciable repute, Okafor, has declared that he possesses all it takes to compete for and clinch the Pro Wrestling Africa (PWA) Light heavyweight title in the forthcoming fight tagged “Night of the Kings” scheduled to take place on Christmas Eve of 24th December, 2023 at the Wrestling Arena of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.
According to the talented grappler who hails from Okporo, Orlu in Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State and came to in 1984 at the tender age of 12 , he is prepared, ready and set to be the PWA light heavy weight champion come December, 24th.
”I am Mr. Sharpman. I am sharper than a razor. I don’t need to be told that I am a good and talented professional wrestling superstar. “Tag team wrestling has tied me down to a spot over the years and I’ve got to liberate myself. In fact I have set myself free.
“Solo action is my focus right now and that is what will make me become the Pro Wrestling Africa Light heavyweight champion before the year runs out where lots of old unsettled scores will be settled. I deserve it. “This is the appointed and set time”, boasted the orlu born grappler at an interview.
Imo State where he hails from is one of the 36 States of Nigeria, located in the Southeast region of the country and was created in 1976 out of the old East-Central State. The state is bordered by Abia State on the East, Delta State to the West, Anambra State on the North, and Rivers State to the South. Sharpman is loaded with gimmicks to get the title on his waist.
He wrestled with Cameroon’s Kirikou during Pro Wrestling Africa’s Battle of Yaoundé 2015 in Yaoundé, Cameroon, and defeated him. The Wolf NDA, also from Cameroon who was a visiting wrestler during the ‘Asaba 2016 Return of Glory’ Championship will not forget Sharpman’s prowess in the ring in his lifetime as they both squared off together.
Sharpman, who specializes in making mincemeat of his opponents in the ring is a veteran with over three decades experience who no one needs to tell what to do in the ring.
He has pounded many of his challengers over the years to submission and his skills and agility have won him many admirers.
He is referred to as the ‘’Excellence of Execution’’ and his Excellency as a master hitter will soon be crowned with a continental title in the shortest possible time. He has a spectacular way of wrestling that have never been seen; as he combines his gymnastic ability, martial arts skill and pro style of wrestling with such awesome effectiveness to entertain his fans to the fullest.
‘’Sharppey,’’ as he is fondly called by other wrestlers, was trained by Lion Bone in 1989 at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos before Jimmy Palm ‘’The African Dream’’ did the finishing touches and impacted him with pro wrestling skills which turned him into a superstar.
He has also trained many talented wrestlers among whom is the Triple ‘’J’’ (Joyce Joseph from Jos, Plateau State).
Sharpman, had Mike Bing of Congo DR as his first opponent in Lagos in 1990 and lists Stephen Mba of Cameroon now based in Canada as his toughest opponent, while his most memorable fight was with ‘The Wolf NDA’ now based in Texas, USA at Asaba, Delta State of Nigeria in 2016.
His most memorable fight at the tag team level was the fight against the African Demons in 2011 in Lagos.
The celebrated Sharpman, who lists Ultimate Warrior and Hulk Hogan as his most respected wrestlers, is already in contact with his community for their support as the saying goes that charity begins at home.
He emphasized that after he might have won the title, his first assignment would be to officially present the belt to the Governor of his home state , Senator Hope Uzodinma of Imo State for fatherly blessings to enable him forge ahead for further laurels.
‘’Any river that forgets his source will definitely dry up. I am in contact with my people back home. I know the kind of support I can get from my people if they are well carried along on my plans on the proposed title project. “Yes I see it as a project which must be executed. I have reached out to the Okporo community in Orlu, in Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State. I am also in contact with my kinsmen based here in Lagos and also reached out to authorities of Orlu local Government Area and the Okporo Council of Chiefs for their support”, explained the wrestling talent who has contributed his own quota towards professional wrestling development.
Sharpman will square up with USA Bing of Congo DR who is his country’s light heavyweight champion for the African title; the wrestler having defeated great fighters such as; Hulk Power of Benin Republic, Power Vic, Mighty Progress, Black Ninja, Zion Lion, Young Power Mike, Kirikou of Cameroon and a host of others said he’s more than battle ready to finish off the Congolese.
In his words, he said, “I am the Sharpman. I have what it takes to defeat any opponent that comes my way. I have trained very well in the sun, under the rain, in the moon, in the valley likewise on the mountain top to get to this stage.
“USA Bing is a mountain that must be conquered. A mountain that must be moved. He is my next victim. I just want to plead for support from the Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma; Orlu Local Government Chairman and all other well-meaning Imo state citizens and stakeholders for their support.
“I promise not disappoint Nigerians come December, 24 and I’m using this medium to appeal to government at all levels, especially my state, Imo, corporate organizations and other well-meaning Nigerians to come to my aid in order to make this dream a reality,” he said.
Other talented grapplers that will feature that same Christmas Eve at the ‘End of the Year Pro Wrestling Extravaganza’ are; Power Vic, God’s Kid, Eagle De Great Nail and Jimmy Palm.
