The 2024 Fight Gist Media Boxing Awards, slated for March 2025, is set to celebrate the best of Nigerian boxing, with Elizabeth Oshoba and Adams Olaore leading the pack of nominees. Oshoba, fresh off her WBC Silver featherweight title victory, is a strong contender for Female Fighter of The Year. She faces stiff competition from a talented field that includes Blessing Bukola Dada, Celina Agwu, Aishat Oriyomi, Mary Aina Abbey, and African Games gold medalist Joy Nene. This category highlights the growing strength and depth of women’s boxing in Nigeria. Olaore’s impressive year, culminating in an African Games gold medal and Olympic qualification, makes him the frontrunner for Outstanding Amateur Boxer of The Year. He will be vying for the award against Patricia Mbata, Blessing Orakwe, Ifeanyi Onyekwere, and Joy Nene, who is also nominated in the female category, showcasing her versatility and dominance across different levels of competition.
The Male Fighter of The Year category is another hotly contested race, with Taiwo ‘Esepo’ Agbaje at the forefront. Agbaje’s resurgence, capped off by a resounding knockout victory over Rilwan Lawal to secure the IBO All African featherweight title, has cemented his place as a leading figure in Nigerian boxing. He faces a formidable challenge from fellow nominees Raheem ‘Baddo’ Animasahun, Idowu ‘ID Buster’ Rasheed, Tosin ‘Sojar Boy’ Osaigbovo, Austine ‘Magnificent Dancer’ Nnamdi, and Rasheed ‘Fhally Boy’ Adeyemo. The diverse range of fighting styles and accomplishments within this group reflects the vibrant landscape of professional boxing in the country.
Agbaje’s remarkable comeback story also earns him a nomination for Comeback of The Year. His dramatic victory over Lawal, a pivotal moment in his career, is the highlight of this category. He is up against Riliwan ‘Baby Face’ Babatunde, Isaac ‘D Star’ Chukwudi, and Sulieman ‘Armour Tanka’ Jafaru, each of whom has demonstrated resilience and determination in their own boxing journeys. This category underscores the spirit of perseverance and the capacity for resurgence within the sport.
The Fight of The Year category promises to be a particularly engaging one, with six thrilling bouts in contention. Agbaje’s triumph over Lawal is naturally a strong candidate, alongside other memorable clashes, including Ridwan ‘Scorpion’ Oyekola versus Tosin Osaigbovo, and Isaac Chukwudi’s battles against Williams Amosu and Emmanuel Abimbola. These nominated fights represent the pinnacle of boxing entertainment, showcasing the combination of skill, strategy, and sheer determination that makes the sport so compelling.
The future of Nigerian boxing is also acknowledged through the Prospect of The Year award. This category recognizes the emerging talents poised to make a significant impact in the coming years. The nominees include Sulaimon Ahmed, Raheem Animasahun, Azeez Lateef, Basit Adebayo, Ahmed Lawal, and Joy Nene, who is also nominated for Female fighter and Outstanding amateur boxer of the year. Their inclusion underscores the depth of young talent coming through the ranks and the promising future of the sport in Nigeria. This category serves as a testament to the ongoing development and nurturing of boxing talent within the country.
The Fight Gist Media Boxing Awards extends beyond the fighters themselves, acknowledging the crucial roles played by trainers and promoters in the success of the sport. The Trainer of The Year category features a respected group of coaches, including Coach AJ, Coach Always, Coach Paramount, Coach Shehu, and Coach Sunny Bruise. These individuals are responsible for honing the skills and shaping the careers of the athletes, contributing significantly to the overall growth and development of boxing in Nigeria. Furthermore, the Event of The Year category recognizes the promotional efforts that bring these exciting fights to the public. GOTV Boxing Night, King of The Ring, Chaos in Lagos, Battle of The Ages, and Chaos in The Ring are all nominated, showcasing the diverse range of boxing events that contribute to the vibrancy of the sport. The inclusion of the Social Media Influencer Award (Male & Female) further reflects the modern landscape of sports recognition, acknowledging the role of digital platforms and personalities in promoting and celebrating boxing. These additional categories demonstrate a comprehensive approach to recognizing the various contributions that drive the sport forward.
