Popular Nollywood actor Ibrahim Yekini, better known as Itele, has opened up about his journey from being a professional boxer to becoming one of Nigeria’s most celebrated film stars, revealing how his early passion for boxing eventually gave way to his love for acting.
In an exclusive chat, Itele shared that his foray into boxing began under the mentorship of his uncle, Es Murphy, a seasoned trainer who ignited his interest in the sport.
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“I trained under an uncle of mine, Es Murphy. I fell in love with boxing watching him train. One day, I told him that I would love to be a boxer too — and that was how it started,” Itele recalled.
He revealed that his boxing career spanned nearly a decade. “I trained under him for two years and was a professional boxer for seven years before I quit,” he said, noting that he had a solid record in the ring. “I won quite a lot of fights and lost just one. Mike Tyson was my biggest motivation back then — I loved watching him fight in the ring.”
Despite his success in boxing, Itele admitted that his true passion lay elsewhere. “Apart from being a boxer, I also love to sing. But I didn’t pay much attention to music because I discovered that acting is the only profession I am so passionate about,” he explained.
According to him, acting offered a creative satisfaction that boxing couldn’t. “Acting gives me the opportunity to want to do more and helps me get better, judging by what my fans tell me,” he said with a smile.
Reflecting on his early days in the film industry, Itele confessed that his transition wasn’t easy. “The beginning was not easy, and I can tell you it was quite rough,” he said. “But I thank God for where I am today and where I am going.”
From the boxing ring to the movie set, Itele’s journey tells the story of resilience, purpose, and the courage to follow one’s passion — even when it means starting over.
