Former Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, has commended young boxers for their commitment and performances as the Lagos Boxing Hall of Fame marked its 150th divisional championship in Yaba, Lagos, during the weekend, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Edun, who founded the non-profit initiative in 2010, praised the boxers at the one-day tournament held at the Mobolaji Johnson Sports Centre, Rowe Park, which featured 10 bouts, including men’s and women’s contests, as well as two exhibition fights involving secondary school students.
The monthly competition, organised in collaboration with the Lagos State Boxing Association, has become a platform for discovering and developing amateur boxing talent across Lagos. It rotates among the state’s five divisions: Ikeja, Badagry, Ikorodu, Lagos Island and Epe.
The latest edition, which drew boxers from 10 local councils and LCDAs, was particularly significant as it marked the 150th staging of the competition, which has been held consistently on the last Saturday of every month.
Edun commended the initiative’s role in nurturing young talents and providing them with opportunities to showcase their abilities, while highlighting the importance of the divisional championships in the race for the Governor’s Belt.
“Champions from Ikorodu, Badagry, Ikeja, Lagos Island, and Epe will box on December 26 for the overall IBILE Champion title. The champion of champions will receive the Governor’s Belt,” he said.
The Governor’s Belt contest will bring together divisional champions from across Lagos in a season-ending competition to determine the state’s overall amateur boxing champion.
Meanwhile, Ibrahim Akolade of Mainland emerged as the best boxer at the Lagos Central Division championship after defeating Isah Jimoh of Lagos West LCDA 4 with an impressive display of footwork, sharp jabs and a decisive uppercut.
Akolade described the award as a reward for his hard work and an important step towards achieving his professional ambitions.
“I feel proud because I worked hard and deserved it. I thank God Almighty, LBHF, my supporters, and coaches. This award means so much to me because I have been looking for opportunities to showcase my talent.
“I see myself winning the WBC title in the future. I want people to remember my name — Akolade Ibrahim once boxed and was a great boxer,” he said.
LBHF Director David Mohammed also expressed satisfaction with the growth of the competition, saying the introduction of the IBILE Championships had increased the level of competition among boxers.
“The excitement is increasing, and everything is going according to plan. The IBILE Championships inject more competition and passion. Ultimately, the Governor’s Belt ensures only the best of the best emerge as Lagos champions,” he said.
