D!ck Tiger, born Richard Ihetu on 14 August 1929 in Amaigbo, present-day Imo State, Nigeria, is widely regarded as one of Africa’s greatest boxers.

D!ck Tiger, born Richard Ihetu on 14 August 1929 in Amaigbo, present-day Imo State, Nigeria, is widely regarded as one of Africa’s greatest boxers.

D!ck Tiger, born Richard Ihetu on 14 August 1929 in Amaigbo, present-day Imo State, Nigeria, is widely regarded as one of Africa’s greatest boxers.

Rising from humble beginnings, he traveled to England and later the United States, where his determination and powerful fighting style earned him worldwide fame.

In 1962, he defeated Gene Fullmer to become the World Middleweight Champion, making history as the first Nigerian to win a world boxing title.

He later added the World Light Heavyweight Championship, becoming one of the few fighters to win world titles in two weight divisions.

Beyond boxing, Dick Tiger remained deeply connected to his Igbo roots. During the Nigerian-Biafra W@r, he supported the Biafran cause and served as a lieutenant, helping train soldiers in hand-to-hand combat.

His support for Biafra cost him much of his wealth and standing after the w@r.

In protest against the British government’s military support for the Nigerian Federal Government, he returned the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) honour that had been awarded to him.

For Dick Tiger, keeping the honour while Britain backed the w@r against his people would have contradicted his conscience.

Dick Tiger d!ed of liver c@ncer on 14th December 1971 in Aba. May his soul rest in peace.