Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has declared full support for British Nigerian heavyweight Moses Itauma ahead of his IBF world title bout against Filip Hrgovic in London on Saturday, August 29.

The Governor’s message was delivered in Uyo by the Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, two nights before the fight at the O2 Arena.Though Itauma fights under the Union Jack, Governor Eno said the 21 year old carries Akwa Ibom and Nigeria with him into the ring.

Itauma was born in Kežmarok, Slovakia to a Slovak mother and a Nigerian father from Eket Local Government Area, and was raised in Britain.

“Akwa Ibom is behind you. Nigeria is behind you. Go forth and make us proud, Moses,” the Governor said in the statement. “ARISE, Moses, ARISE!”

The endorsement frames the London bout as more than a British title fight. For Akwa Ibom, it is a home story playing out on a global stage.

Itauma comes into the fight unbeaten at 14-0 with 12 knockouts. He will face Croatia’s Hrgovic, who holds a 20-1 record with 15 KOs, for the IBF heavyweight belt vacated by Oleksandr Usyk.

A victory would make Itauma the youngest world heavyweight champion since Mike Tyson, and the first fighter with Eket roots to win a heavyweight world title.

Governor Eno praised the young boxer’s discipline and composure, saying his rise has already put Akwa Ibom on the world boxing map. He urged Itauma to keep the same winning mentality that has defined his short professional career and assured him of the prayers of people back home.

Itauma himself has spoken about what the connection means. After a recent visit to his father’s homeland, he said the trip helped answer questions about identity that boxing alone could not settle.

Now the test is in the ring. A Slovak-born, British-raised heavyweight with Eket blood will fight for a world title before his 22nd birthday, and the entire state says it will be watching.The O2 Arena showdown comes up on Saturday night in London.