CRTV to broadcast Ngannou–Fury fight after Cabral Libii’s push

Cameroon’s state-owned broadcaster, CRTV, has announced it will be streaming the historic fight between Cameroonian MMA heavyweight champion, Francis Ngannou, and the unbeatable WBS heavyweight, Tyson Fury, this night.

The CRTV announcement made at about 6pm today came after the national president of the Cameroon Party for National Reconciliation (PCRN), Cabral Libii, questioned why the media organ was not broadcasting the much-anticipated event.

Hon Libii claims he pushed the CRTV to properly serve tax payers, who finance the media organ, by broadcasting the legendary fight.

The fight nicknamed the “Battle of the Baddest” takes place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, at 21:00 GMT today.

Francis Ngannou, a Cameroonian from the West Region, who is the best MMA heavyweight in the world, will take on world boxing champion, Tyson Fury.

The fight has occupied international headlines since it was scheduled. In Cameroon, support for Ngannou has been massive.

School children, youths, politicians and other personalities have offered rounds of support to Ngannou.

But surprisingly, observers say the Cameroonian media have not given the mega event the attention it deserves, despite Francis Ngannou flying the country’s flag on the international scene.

Earlier today, in a Facebook post, Cabral Libii questioned the CRTV’s General Manager, Charles Ndongo, on why, until midday, the State broadcaster had not told Cameroonians if the match was going to be broadcast on CRTV.

About seven hours later, the media house announced on its Facebook page, CRTVweb, that the Ngannou-Fury fight would be broadcast live on its sports channel, CRTV Sports.

“Mr Charles Ndongo, Mr. Director General of CRTV, you have answered my concern,” wrote Libii in response.

“The CRTV of our taxes will, therefore, broadcast Francis Ngannou’s fight. It’s the least we expected of you. We take note of your sensitivity to our expectations.”

Social media users saluted CRTV’s decision to stream the fight on CRTV Sports as from 7pm local time.

Many commented with words of gratitude.

Other commentators also questioned why the state broadcaster would only wait to be reminded to spotlight a Cameroonian who was making the country proud.

Mimi Mefo Info