Nigerian featherweight boxer Taiwo ‘Esepo’ Agbaje is set to take on Tanzanian Loren Japhet in a highly anticipated matchup for the vacant World Boxing Federation world featherweight title. This bout, part of the ‘Simplified Rumble in Rivers for Champions’ event, will take place on December 7 at the Diete Spiff Civic Centre in Port Harcourt. Agbaje enters the ring with a record of 16 wins, including 11 by knockout, which underscores his formidable skills and makes him a promising contender for the title. Japhet, on the other hand, boasts a record of 18 wins, 7 losses, and 3 draws, with 4 knockouts, suggesting a tough challenge ahead for Agbaje.
The event is being organized by Zeus Sports and Entertainment and will feature a total of ten bouts, making it a night of exciting boxing for fans. In addition to the headline matchup between Agbaje and Japhet, the event will witness a remarkable comeback of former world heavyweight contender Ike ‘The President’ Ibeabuchi, who is facing Egyptian fighter Sammy Abdalla after spending several years in prison in the United States. This bout not only marks Ibeabuchi’s return to the ring but also highlights the sport’s ability to provide a second chance for athletes, adding an emotional element to the night.
Moreover, the card will include other notable fighters, such as former WBC Super Featherweight Silver Champion Elizabeth Oshoba, who will compete against Egypt’s Hargar Mohammed. Ex-WBO International light middleweight champion King Davidson is also on the schedule, taking on Ayman Mohammed from Egypt. Rounding out the main card, Jude ‘Great Jude’ Iloh, a former National and West African light heavyweight champion, will confront Angola’s Lando Henriques. Together, these matchups reflect the event’s commitment to showcasing a diverse range of talent in boxing.
Significant local support has emerged for the event, particularly from esteemed figures like King Ateke Tom, the Amanyanagbo of Okochiri kingdom, who has agreed to serve as the event’s patron. King Tom’s enthusiasm for boxing is palpable; he expressed a personal desire to engage in the sport if he were younger, indicating how deeply the sport resonates within the community. His involvement lends a sense of legitimacy and local pride to the event, enhancing its appeal and significance in the region.
In addition to local dignitaries, the event is expected to attract a wide array of sports and entertainment celebrities. Notable figures such as former football star Finidi George, Nigerian football legend Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha, as well as renowned musicians Flavour and Burna Boy, are anticipated to attend. Their presence underscores the cultural relevance of this boxing gala, as it aims to transcend the sport itself and unite fans across various sectors of society, further highlighting the event’s importance in promoting sport and entertainment in Rivers State.
Former Nigerian national football goalkeeper Peterside Idah emphasized the positive implications of the event for the local community. He noted that discussions surrounding Rivers State often revolve around political themes and unrest, yet events focused on sports, like the upcoming boxing matches, provide a temporary reprieve from such narratives. Idah pointed to the recent international marathon as evidence of how sporting events can foster peace and unity among communities, suggesting that the ‘Simplified Rumble in Rivers for Champions’ could likewise contribute to a positive atmosphere and a sense of belonging within the region.
