Unbeaten Oshoba keen to extend dominant UK run News

Nigerian boxing sensation Elizabeth Oshoba has declared her intention to maintain her commanding run in the United Kingdom ahead of her six-round bout against Chelsey Arnell on April 5, insisting she will leave no room for doubt when she steps into the ring, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The IBF No.1 super lightweight contender will feature on the undercard of the Caroline Dubois versus Terri Harper world lightweight title unification bout, a card that also features Ellie Scotney’s shot at the undisputed world championship against Mayelli Flores.

Oshoba, who has not tasted defeat in nine professional fights, five of which have ended inside the distance, enters the contest in the form of her life and with a point to prove.

“I have worked too hard and come too far to let anyone slow me down. Every time I step into the ring, I want to make a statement, and April 5 will be no different,” the 26-year-old told PUNCH Sports Extra.

“Arnell is experienced, and she has been in tough fights, but dominance is what I do. I am not coming to survive rounds, I am coming to take over,” she added.

Oshoba enters the bout as BoxRec’s fourth-ranked super lightweight in their latest rankings, sitting behind USA’s Alycia Baumgardner, Belgium’s Delfine Persoon, and Australia’s Mea Motu. She also holds the WBC silver featherweight and IBO female super-featherweight titles.

Arnell, a 35-year-old from Hull with a professional record of 5-2-1, has previously challenged for the Central Area and English titles and will be eager to make the most of the opportunity.

Oshoba relocated to the UK to launch her professional career in September 2022 after a decorated amateur career that included six Nigerian national titles, a bronze medal at the 2019 African Games, gold at the 2020 African Zone Three Championships and a silver medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

In January 2024, she made history by becoming the first female Nigerian boxer to win a world title when she knocked out Italy’s Michela Braga in the 10th round in Copenhagen to claim the WBC silver featherweight crown.

“The rankings are moving in the right direction, but titles and rankings mean nothing if you are not backing them up with performances. On April 5, I am backing it up again,” Oshoba said.