By Towncriernews
Golden Oldies is remembering Nigerian wrestler Michael Okpala on his birthday today (August 8, 1939 – March 11, 2004).
Okpala was a household name in the world of wrestling as a retired undefeated World Heavyweight wrestling champion.
He wrestled with and defeated notable wrestler, Ali Baba of Lebanon in 1973; Johnny Kwango known as the King of Head Butt who also became a victim of Power Mike’s when he (Mike) defeated him in Lagos.
Among the list of wrestlers that Power Mike defeated were Power Jack, Joseph Kovacs, Judd Harris, John Tiger of Canada and a host of other notable worldwide superstars.
Apart from his professional wrestling prowess, he was also a promoter of the sport and his Power Mike International Promotions brought foreign wrestlers like Mil Mascaras, Dick the ‘Bulldog Brower’, Buddy Rose, Michael Hayes, Mighty Igor, The Mongols, Carlos Colon, Chris Adams, Thunderbolt Williams and so on to the shores of Nigeria.
Michael Okpala died at the age of 64 on 11 March 2004 at the National Hospital, Abuja after a protracted illness.