Olamilekan Alabi delivered a memorable performance to claim the men’s 70kg title and the coveted Best Boxer award at the Lagos Hall of Fame Ibile Divisional Boxing Championships, capping an exciting day of amateur boxing that showcased some of the brightest young talents in Lagos State.
The competition, held at the Ojo Local Council Secretariat in Badagry, brought together promising boxers from various local council areas in a bid to demonstrate their skills and edge closer to greater opportunities in the sport. By the end of the event, it was Alabi who stole the spotlight after producing a composed and determined display that earned him both victory and individual recognition.
Alabi faced a stern challenge from Gafar Adeleke of Ajeromi Local Council Development Area in one of the most entertaining bouts of the championship. The contest began with Adeleke applying early pressure, forcing Alabi onto the defensive and testing his composure. Rather than panic, Alabi gradually settled into the contest, adjusted his tactics and began dictating the pace with accurate combinations, quick footwork and well timed uppercuts.
As the rounds progressed, Alabi’s confidence grew. He repeatedly found openings in Adeleke’s defence, landing clean punches that impressed both the judges and spectators. His resilience after a difficult start proved decisive as he secured a hard fought 4 to 1 split decision victory, a result that also earned him the tournament’s Best Boxer honour.
Speaking after receiving his award, an emotional Alabi described the recognition as the reward for weeks of intensive preparation and dedication.
He expressed gratitude to his coaches and supporters, adding that the victory has motivated him to continue working hard as he pursues a successful boxing career.
“This is the reward for weeks of hard work. I want to keep ruling the ring for a long time,” the delighted boxer said after the final decision was announced.
The championship featured 10 competitive bouts across different weight divisions, with several young fighters delivering performances that highlighted the growing depth of boxing talent within Lagos State.
Daniel Daramola of Ojo Local Government Area produced one of the most dominant victories of the tournament after defeating Farouk Abijuwon of Ifelodun LCDA by a unanimous 5 to 0 decision in the men’s 50kg category. His aggressive approach and superior technique left little room for debate as all five judges scored the contest in his favour.
Another outstanding performance came from Yusuf Kareem of Iba LCDA, who comfortably outclassed Ganiyu Raheem of Apapa Iganmu LCDA in the men’s 55kg division. Kareem controlled the bout from the opening bell, using his speed and precision to secure another comprehensive 5 to 0 unanimous victory.
One of the closest contests of the day saw Faezol Fasasi of Iba LCDA edge Qudus Akinwande of Olorunda LCDA by a narrow 3 to 2 split decision after an evenly matched encounter that kept spectators on the edge of their seats until the final bell.
The event also demonstrated the organisers’ commitment to nurturing the next generation of boxers through two exhibition contests involving school students. Although both exhibition fights ended in draws, they offered young athletes valuable competitive experience while giving boxing enthusiasts a glimpse of future stars who may one day represent Lagos and Nigeria on the international stage.
Chairperson of Ojo Local Council Development Area, Princess Muhibat Titilola Rufai Adeyemi, praised the organisers for creating opportunities that positively engage young people through sport.
She reaffirmed the council’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote youth empowerment, talent discovery and community development, describing sports as an effective tool for building discipline, confidence and leadership among young Nigerians.
Lagos Boxing Hall of Fame Director David Mohamed also applauded the standard of competition, noting that the Ibile Divisional Championships have become an important platform for identifying and developing future champions.
According to Mohamed, the championship goes beyond determining winners in the ring. He explained that the programme is designed to discover gifted athletes, expose them to quality competition and prepare them for higher levels of national and international boxing.
He revealed that following the successful Badagry edition, the championships will continue across other divisions including Ikorodu, Lagos Island and Epe before culminating in the prestigious Governor’s Belt Championship scheduled for December 2026.
The Lagos Boxing Hall of Fame has earned widespread recognition for its consistent investment in grassroots boxing, providing regular competitions that allow young fighters to gain valuable experience while attracting the attention of coaches, scouts and boxing administrators. Several promising athletes who began their journeys in the organisation’s events have progressed to represent Lagos and Nigeria in major competitions.
For Alabi, the latest triumph could mark another important step in what appears to be a promising career. Winning both the 70kg title and the Best Boxer award has strengthened his growing reputation as one of Lagos’ brightest amateur boxing prospects.
With the Ibile Divisional Championships set to continue across the state in the coming months, boxing fans can expect more thrilling contests as emerging talents battle for honours and opportunities to compete at the Governor’s Belt Championship later this year. For now, however, the spotlight belongs to Olamilekan Alabi, whose outstanding performance in Badagry has established him as the latest rising star in Nigerian amateur boxing.
