Nigeria’s professional boxing authorities are seeking more regular tournaments to keep fighters active, improve their careers and create more opportunities for them to earn from the sport.
The call was made at the third edition of the Universal Boxing Council Night of Champions, held at the YBL Event Centre in Ikorodu, Lagos, on September 26.
Technical Chairman of the Nigerian Boxing Federation (Professional), Babatunde Laguda, said regular competitions were necessary to move the sport beyond its traditional developmental stage and strengthen the professional level.
“We want to change the face of boxing with regular tournaments,” Laguda said.
He added that consistent events would help boxers remain active, improve their performances and create opportunities for them to earn income through the sport.
African President of the Universal Boxing Council, Onyeka Eboma Elum, said the council was also working to provide African boxers with regular championship opportunities and strengthen boxing stables across the continent.
“As African president, it is my responsibility to push the brand to the world,” Elum said.
He disclosed that UBC championship events were being planned for Tanzania and Ghana, with more dates expected in Nigeria.
The UBC, established in 2006, began its African operations this year, according to Elum.
He also disclosed plans for another major event at the National Stadium on October 24, where Peter Ejieke is expected to compete for a national title, alongside a UBC youth championship opportunity.
The Ikorodu event featured 10 bouts and was promoted by Gloria Samuel of Nanmet Promotion and sanctioned by the Nigerian Boxing Federation (Professional).
Hounkpatin Komlangan defeated Saheed Tijani by fourth-round technical knockout to win the UBC Africa Lightweight Title in the final bout.
In other contests, Aminu Akintayo stopped Nurudeen Salau in the fifth round of the National Bantamweight Contest, while Adewale Adediipo defeated Abiodun Shittu by second-round technical knockout in the National Lightweight Contest.
Idris Badmus secured a third-round stoppage against Adeseye Adepitan, while Chiamaka Nwaturuocha stopped Aisha Wasiu in the third round of the Female National Welterweight Contest.
Oluwatobi Balogun and Olawale Obbey also recorded second-round stoppage victories over Ayodele Powell and Taiwo Babajide Afeez respectively.
Alex Eddi Strauli defeated Chirack Popola Lipoko by third-round technical knockout in the International Super Welterweight Contest, while Peter Ejieke defeated Nasiru Mustapha by unanimous decision in the National Super Middleweight Contest.
In the National Heavyweight Contest, Blessing Chukwuede stopped Dorcas Emmanuel in the fourth round.
Chukwuede, who combines her boxing career with service in the Nigerian Army, dedicated her victory to her mother, family, coaches, supporters and colleagues.
“I’m not just an upcoming champion but a champion that will take so many belts in time to come to the world title,” she said.
She also pledged to make Nigeria, her family and the Nigerian Army proud.
Elum said arrangements were also being made to make UBC events available online as the council expands its activities across Africa.
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