Michael Okpala, popularly known as Power Mike,

Michael Okpala, popularly known as Power Mike,

Michael Okpala, popularly known as Power Mike, was born in August 1939 in Neni, Anambra State, Nigeria. He began his sporting journey in boxing but later transitioned to professional wrestling in the early 1960s. Known for his incredible strength and charisma, Power Mike quickly rose to fame by touring Nigeria, Ghana, and later Europe. In 1970, he won the African Heavyweight Wrestling Championship, defeating Gambia’s Massambula. His career remained undefeated, with 125 victories and no recorded loss. Power Mike competed internationally, defeating top wrestlers from Lebanon, Canada, and the United States. After retiring in 1976, he became a successful promoter, bringing global wrestling stars to Nigeria through Power Mike International Promotions. He was awarded the chieftaincy title “Ide of Neni”, symbolizing a cultural pillar. Revered across Africa, Power Mike passed away on March 11, 2004, at age 64. His legacy is immortalized with a statue in Neni and continued recognition as Nigeria’s most iconic wrestler who never tasted defeat.