Ikorodu will host a major grassroots boxing showcase on Saturday, August 29, when the Lagos Boxing Hall of Fame stages its Ibile Divisional Championships at Ikorodu Township Hall.
Quick facts
- Venue: Ikorodu Township Hall
- Date: Saturday, August 29
- Programme: 10 competitive bouts and two exhibition contests
- Organisers: Lagos Boxing Hall of Fame and Lagos Amateur Boxing Association
- Prize pathway: qualification for the Governor’s Belt finale
The one-day event is being organised with the Lagos Amateur Boxing Association and forms part of Nigeria’s longest-running grassroots amateur boxing programme. The initiative began in July 2009 and has continued with the backing and vision of former Finance Minister Wale Edun.
LBHF director David Mohammed said the championships have expanded consistently, attracting strong support from spectators across the various divisions.
After stops in Ikeja and Badagry, Ikorodu becomes the third venue for the Ibile series, which was launched in its current format this year.
Competitors are also chasing valuable qualification places for the Governor’s Belt, the monthly series’ prestigious final event.
Representatives of Ikorodu Local Council, Ikorodu North LCDA, Ikorodu West LCDA, Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA, Ijede LCDA, Ketu Agboyi, Ikosi Isheri and Imota LCDA will gather at the Town Hall, with local pride adding further importance to the contests.
The programme will also include two exhibition matchups featuring young boxers. Pamilerin Abayomi of Bethel Gemini Junior Secondary School will meet Esumba Peter of Odogunyan Junior Secondary School at 36kg, while Ikosi Primary School’s John Adigun takes on Rasaq Adebayo in the 22kg boys’ category.
Two women’s bouts are scheduled, beginning with an all-Ikorodu North LCDA meeting between Aishat Yisa and Abisola Agbolade at 50kg. Oyindamola Kuseju of Ikorodu LGA will then face Basirat Kelani of Ijede LCDA in the 54kg division.
The men’s programme features six contests. Wahab Adiat of Ikorodu West LCDA will start against Jamiu Adeniji of Agboyi Ketu at 50kg, followed by Kolade Ojo of Ikorodu North LCDA and Akinola Akingbade of Agboyi Ketu at 55kg.
At 60kg, Waris Sanusi of Ikosi Isheri LCDA meets Shazilly Hamzat of Ikorodu West LCDA. Kingsley Gabriel of Ikorodu North LCDA will box Folagbade Ademola of Ikosi Isheri LCDA at 65kg.
The 70kg bout brings together Kazeem Ibrahim of Ikorodu West LCDA and Adewale Adesanya of Ikorodu North LCDA. The card closes with a 75kg clash between Yusuf Nasiru of Ikorodu LGA and Nasiru Mustapha of Ikorodu North LCDA.
With the Governor’s Belt in sight, the Ikorodu championships are set to combine fierce competition, neighbourhood rivalry and a lively day of amateur boxing.
