Boxing, MMA Hall of Fame hosts amateur boxing championship for southwest states
The Boxing and MMA Hall of Fame held the southwest edition of the National Amateur Boxing and MMA Championships at the Landmark Event Center, V.I, Lagos.
The event drew significant attention as more than 50 talented fighters from the six south western states, namely Lagos, Ekiti, Ogun, Osun, Oyo and Ondo showcased their prowess in both MMA and Boxing.
The MMA Championship was organized under the Global Association of Mixed Martial Arts (GAMM) rules and featured five intense final bouts. Sanni Azeezat from Ogun State triumphed over Olanike Glory from Ondo State in the 65kg female category, while Quadri Bikilis from Oyo State emerged victorious against Ayomide Olorundare from Ogun State in 56 kg female category. In the male 70.3kg category, Olabode Fayowole from Lagos defeated Rasheed Taiwo from Oyo State. Musa Jamiyu from Ondo State outclassed Latif Akubee from Oyo State in the 65.6kg category, and Samuel Gabriel from Lagos State claimed victory over Saheed Faruk from Ogun State in the 61.2kg category.
The Boxing Championship was officiated by Lagos State Boxing Association (LABA) and saw 12 thrilling bouts. Lagos State fighters dominated subsequent bouts, with Qudus Lateef defeating Bakare Taiwo from Osun State in the 51kg male category, and Akanni Balogun securing a win over David Kushimo from Ogun State in the 54kg male category. Odebode Opeyemi from Oyo State triumphed over Badmus Mueeb from Osun State in the male 60kg category, and Obanla Opeyemi from Lagos State won against Ramon Folarin from Oyo State in the male 85kg category.
Among the female fighters, Akinyemi Asisat from Lagos State defeated Ibrahim Zainab from Osun State by RSC in the first round of the 57kg category.
The first day of Championship also included MMA Seminar under GAMMA rules for the purpose of training and certifying of national judges and referees.
Mr. Rayan Fayan, a representative of the Boxing and MMA Hall of Fame, commented on the significance of the event: “This tournament is a crucial stage for the southwest states, as we previously held in Abuja for the north central and north west regions. It serves as a qualifier for the National Championship in Boxing and MMA. Our aim is to identify the best athletes from each state and zone across Nigeria, providing them with the exposure needed to represent Nigeria in the Olympics and international tournaments.”
