By Babatunde Ogunrinde on April 17, 2018

Waidi “Skoro” Usman, the new African Boxing Union Featherweight (ABU) champion says he will be glad to take a shot at world title challenge if the opportunity comes.

Skoro outpunched Michael “Shaka” Nyawade of Kenya through a technical knockout in the 11th round of their 12 rounds title fight to become the ABU Featherweight champion.

Skoro achieved this feat at the just-concluded GOtv Boxing Night 14 held at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Lagos, on April 14 in Lagos.

He told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that he was delighted when the opportunity came and he prepared well for the championship fight.

“This is a big win for me; I want to use this opportunity to thank my fans for coming to support me to victory.

“To be a champion is not an easy task because it comes with so much responsibility, and I have learnt a lot from this victory, especially in the areas of preparation.

“The next step for me is to defend my title against any challenger, but the ultimate step which I really want is to become a world champion,” Skoro said.

Skoro had lost to Uganda’s Edward Kakembo in 2015 in his first attempt at the ABU featherweight title fight.

Another big winner on the night was Rilwan “Babyface” Babatunde, who emerged the West Africa Boxing Union (WABU) Welterweight champion through a fifth round knockout of Republic of Benin’s Djossou Agoy Basile.

He also won the Mojisola Ogunsanya Memorial Trophy for the best boxer as well as a cash prize of N1 million.

Similarly, Rilwan “Real One” Oladosun defeated Kehinde “Ijoba” Badmus in the sixth round knockout of their 12 rounds fight to retain the National Lightweight title.

A national challenge bout in the Lightweight category also saw the ABU champion, Oto “Joe Boy” Joseph defeat a hard-fighting Policeman Prince “Lion” Nwoye, by a unanimous decision.

The three judges of the night had scored the fight, 96-94, 97-93, 97-95 but met criticisms from the fans that adjudged Nwoye as the winner of the bout.

In the national Cruiserweight category, Abiodun “Finito” Afini defeated Razak “Hyena” Ramon, 59-54, 57-55 and 59-54.

Sulaimon “Olags” Adeosun saw off Majesty “Majesty 1” Maduka in their national Light Heavyweight challenge duel.

Chukwuebuka “Wise King” Ezewudo defeated Semiu “Jagaban” Olapade, 58-55, 55-53 and 58-53 in a national Welterweight challenge fight.

Meanwhile, the President, Nigeria Boxing Board of Control, Rafiu Ladipo, has commended the organisers of the boxing night.

He said that boxing has picked up and gradually becoming one of the best watched sports in the country.

“Before the promoters, Flykite and GOtv came on board, we had nothing to show to boxing fans, we are very happy about the success story so far.

“We hope many more sponsors and promoters will key into the development of boxing, which is arguably the biggest sport in Nigeria,” Ladipo said. (NAN)

•NAN Photo shows Rilwan “Babyface” Babatunde flanked by Marthin Mabutho Multichoice Nigeria General Sales and Marketing Manager, and Rafiu Ladipo, President Nigeria Boxing Board of Control.

Source Daily Sports

Posted April 17, 2018

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