The De Lads’ Battle of the Ages boxing event, held at the National Institute for Sports in Lagos, witnessed a night of thrilling contests, punctuated by controversial decisions and emphatic victories. Three boxers emerged triumphant in their respective title bouts, adding another chapter to the rich tapestry of Nigerian boxing. However, the event was not without its share of disputes, as one challenger vehemently contested the judges’ decision, calling for the Nigerian Boxing Board of Control (NBBofC) to intervene and rectify what he perceived as a grave injustice.
Yusuf “Hungry Lion” Ogunbunmi clinched the vacant national super lightweight title after a grueling ten-round battle against Isaac “D-Star” Chukwudi. The fight, which went the distance, saw Ogunbunmi emerge victorious via a split decision, despite being penalized with a point deduction during the contest. While Ogunbunmi celebrated his hard-fought victory, expressing satisfaction with his performance and acknowledging the tenacity of his opponent, Chukwudi was left fuming, alleging that he was robbed of a deserved victory. The contrasting reactions of the two fighters underscored the contentious nature of the bout and set the stage for a potential rematch or a review by the NBBofC.
Chukwudi, visibly upset in the aftermath of the fight, vehemently disputed the judges’ decision, claiming he was the more aggressive fighter throughout the contest and landed more punches. He called for the NBBofC to review the fight, asserting that the decision should be overturned and the title awarded to him. This controversial decision cast a shadow over Ogunbunmi’s victory, leaving a lingering question mark over the legitimacy of the outcome. The NBBofC now faces the task of addressing Chukwudi’s grievances and determining whether a review is warranted, a decision that could have significant implications for both fighters and the credibility of the event.
In a more straightforward victory, Faruq “Ajobi” Taofeeq ascended to the throne of the National Super-Featherweight division, securing a unanimous decision win over Ojo Arabambi after ten rounds of intense competition. Taofeeq’s victory was a testament to his skill and determination, as he outboxed his opponent to claim the coveted title. Unlike the controversial super lightweight bout, Taofeeq’s victory was undisputed, marking a clear transition of power in the super-featherweight division.
Hassan “Thiago” Tiamiyu delivered a dominant performance in his super-welterweight title defense against Kazeem “The Killer” Lawal. Tiamiyu’s power was on full display as he scored three knockdowns in the second round, prompting the referee to wave off the contest and declare him the winner by knockout. The decisive victory underscored Tiamiyu’s dominance in the super-welterweight division and solidified his position as the reigning champion. Lawal, despite his moniker, was unable to withstand the onslaught of Tiamiyu, succumbing to the champion’s power in a short but brutal encounter.
The undercard of the De Lads’ Battle of the Ages event showcased a series of exciting contests featuring up-and-coming boxers. Adeshina “Destiny Boy” Oluwatosin edged out Ezekiel “Touch” Seun in a closely contested six-round bantamweight challenge, securing a majority decision victory. Afolabi Shittu forced Nurudeen Salahu to retire in his corner after the fourth round of their bout, showcasing his dominance and resilience. The opening fight of the night saw Taiwo Olowu emerge victorious against Oluwatoyin Omotosho by unanimous decision after eight rounds in the super-welterweight division. These undercard bouts provided a platform for emerging talent to showcase their skills and gain valuable experience, contributing to the overall excitement and depth of the De Lads’ Battle of the Ages event. The victories of Oluwatosin, Shittu, and Olowu marked important milestones in their respective careers, adding to the narrative of the night’s boxing spectacle.
