Edun fires up boxers for LBHF-IBILE bouts

Lagos Boxing Hall of Fame founder and Nigeria Boxing Federation President, Wale Edun, has urged young boxers to remain disciplined and committed as the inaugural Lagos Boxing Hall of Fame IBILE Divisional Championships gather momentum ahead of the end-of-year Governor’s Belt competition.

Edun gave the charge at the Ikeja Divisional Championships, held at the Agege Stadium over the weekend, where Michael Bolarinwa emerged as the Best Boxer after an impressive display.

The tournament, organised by the LBHF in collaboration with the Lagos Amateur Boxing Association, marked the first of five divisional contests under the IBILE format, with champions from each division set to compete for the prestigious Governor’s Belt later this year.

Reflecting on the growth of the initiative, Edun said the divisional championships were a culmination of years of work aimed at reviving grassroots boxing in Lagos.

“This is the culmination of all our efforts since 2009 when the Lagos Boxing Hall of Fame Monthly Saturday Boxing Show began. Then-Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN) asked us to revive boxing to give young athletes the opportunity to showcase their talent. We have been consistent with resilience, determination and a strong commitment to the care and safety of the boxers.

“The divisional champions will continue to face each other until the Governor’s Belt, where the IBILE Champion of Lagos will be crowned in 2026. This structure ensures recognition and progression for the boxers. They are not just fighting opponents; they are striving to be recognised as champions. At the LBHF and the Nigeria Boxing Federation, we are committed to encouraging young athletes to live healthy, disciplined lives and celebrating their achievements at every opportunity.”

On the night, Bolarinwa claimed the Best Boxer award after outclassing Taiwo Rokeeb in the men’s 50kg final with a unanimous 5-0 victory, earning a cash prize of N250,000.

The 12-bout tournament also featured two exhibition contests, which ended in draws, while several other fighters secured qualification as Ikeja Division representatives for the Governor’s Belt finals.

Speaking after his victory, Bolarinwa expressed delight at his performance and set his sights on representing Nigeria.

“I think my performance was 100 per cent today because of my skills. I feel so happy and excited to be part of this championship. It was not easy from the trials to the final, so I thank God for the victory.

“Very soon I hope to represent Nigeria because I’m already a national champion, a silver medallist at the 2023 National Youth Games and a gold medallist in 2024. I will represent Lagos State at the National Intermediate Games this year, and I hope everything goes well from here to representing Nigeria.”

LBHF Director David Mohamed described the launch of the IBILE Divisional Championships as the fulfilment of a long-held vision.

“This is the brainchild of our founder. Our monthly boxing show has been running for over 25 years, and we wanted to add more competition and structure. Today marks the very first divisional championships, and we are pleased.

“The divisional contests serve as qualifiers for the Governor’s Belt, which has been a prestigious event for over 15 years. It crowns the best of the best in Lagos State. By December, champions from all divisions will converge for the Governor’s Belt.”