Yusuf Ismaila of Eti-Osa West Local Government claimed the Best Boxer award at the Lagos Boxing Hall of Fame Ibile Divisional Championships in Epe on Saturday, producing a second-round stoppage against Gabriel Ogunala in the men’s 70kg final.
Ismaila takes top honour in Epe
The referee intervened during the second round of the 70kg title fight after Ismaila connected with a sustained sequence of accurate punches, leaving Ogunala unable to offer an effective response.
The Epe event was a one-day competition and marked the final monthly divisional tournament before the Governor’s Belt Championship, which is set to take place on December 26, 2026. Competitors represented 10 local governments and Local Council Development Areas.
Title winners across the divisions
- Oluwatosin Adebayo of Ibeju-Lekki Local Government secured the men’s 75kg crown with a 4-1 decision over Great Ezenwa of Eti-Osa East LCDA.
- Emmanuel Richard, representing Eti-Osa West Local Government, earned a unanimous 5-0 win against Surajudeen Olatunji of Ibeju-Lekki LCDA in the men’s 65kg category.
- In the women’s 54kg contest, Olamide Ogunleye of Eti-Osa East LCDA stopped Noyimot Adebisi of Eti-Osa West Local Government with a first-round knockout.
Two exhibition contests featuring pupils from Community Primary School, Ibeju; Community Junior High School, Ibeju; Iwerekun Community High School; and Happie Valley School finished without a winner, with both bouts declared draws.
Governor’s Belt selection trial planned
LBHF director David Mohammed said a one-day selection trial will be staged to determine the final team for the Governor’s Belt competition. He added that the divisional events had brought several talented young boxers to attention.
“We intend to hold a trial later this year to choose the strongest boxers for the Governor’s Belt, while also looking to identify fresh talent capable of representing Lagos and Nigeria in the years ahead,” Mohammed said.
Grassroots boxing programme
The Ibile championships span Lagos State’s five divisions:
- Ikorodu
- Badagry
- Ikeja
- Lagos Island
- Epe
The competition is run in partnership with the Lagos State Amateur Boxing Association. Established in 2009 by former Finance Minister Wale Edun, the Lagos Boxing Hall of Fame is Nigeria’s longest-serving grassroots amateur boxing programme.
