Core Afrique stages first NBF-sanctioned pro event

History was made at the weekend as the Nigeria Boxing Federation sanctioned its first professional boxing event in Lagos.

The six-fight card, staged by Core Afrique Boxing Promotions at Argon Sports Centre in Sijibomi, Elepe, Ikorodu, drew stakeholders from across the sport in a colourful atmosphere.

Action got underway with a super bantamweight (55.3kg) bout between Emanuel Friday and Hammed Qudus, with Friday winning by unanimous decision after six rounds.

In the national lightweight (61.2kg) contest, Qudus Adebayo defeated Lucky James via unanimous decision. Quadri Ilori also secured victory over Ayomide Kasali in their 63.5kg national super lightweight bout.

In the national welterweight (66.7kg) category, Taiwo Tomiwa recorded a first-round knockout, stopping Ayobami Okpeyemi in 36 seconds, while Peter Ejieke defeated Olanrewaju Saheed with a knockout at 2:51 in their 76.2kg national super middleweight clash.

The national middleweight (72.1kg) bout between Adeniji Bolajoko and Kazeem Lawal was closely contested, with Lawal emerging winner by split decision.

Fight records from the event were updated on BoxRec a few hours after the competition.

Speaking after the event, promoter and CEO of Core Afrique Boxing Promotions, Olusola Ayodele, expressed satisfaction with the organisation and professionalism displayed.

“Firstly, I must appreciate the Nigeria Boxing Federation for its ongoing reforms in the sport. I make bold to say that the era of fake professional fight records is over. It is truly a new dawn for professional boxing in Nigeria, and I call on all stakeholders to embrace this positive trajectory,” Ayodele said.

As part of its ongoing reforms, the NBF has established a professional boxing arm to regulate and oversee pro boxing activities in the country.