Promising boxer Jamiu Adeniji delivered a commanding performance to emerge as the best boxer at the Lagos Boxing Hall of Fame (LBHF) Ibile Divisional Championships, held at the Ikorodu Town Hall over the weekend.
The tournament, staged in partnership with the Lagos Amateur Boxing Association, featured 10 thrilling bouts and continued Nigeria’s longest-running grassroots amateur boxing initiative.
Founded in July 2009 and sustained by the vision and support of former Minister of Finance Wale Edun, the LBHF project has become a cornerstone of boxing development in Lagos.
Representing Agboyi Ketu LCDA, Adeniji faced Wahab Adiat of Ikorodu West LCDA in the men’s 50kg category. The bout quickly became the star attraction of the day, with Adeniji dominating from the opening round.
His precise jabs and uppercuts overwhelmed his opponent, earning him a 5–0 unanimous decision from the judges.
For his skill and dominance, Adeniji was named Boxer of the Tournament, a recognition that thrilled fans in attendance.
Speaking after his victory, the young fighter described the award as a reward for hard work and expressed his ambition to represent Nigeria internationally.
“I am so excited to be named the best boxer. I know I can do more, and I hope with this kind of performance I can work my way into the national team and represent Nigeria in international tournaments. I must also commend the organisers, and I hope to continue my good form at the end-of-year tournament,” he said.
LBHF Director David Mohammed praised the turnout in Ikorodu, noting that the strong fan presence confirmed the championships’ growing popularity.
“We are happy that the Ibile format is pulling crowds and attracting interest across the five divisional areas of Lagos. We expect the grand finale later in the year to be even more competitive and glamorous. We have seen quality performances, and we believe more of these boxers will fight their way into the national teams in the near future.”
The one-day tournament featured fighters from Ikorodu Local Council, Ikorodu North LCDA, Ikorodu West LCDA, Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA, Ijede LCDA, Ketu Agboyi, Ikosi Isheri, and Imota LCDA, with two bouts ending in draws.
The women’s division also produced fireworks. Aishat Yisa of Ikorodu North LCDA defeated Abisola Agbolade of the same council 4–1 in the 50kg category, while Oyindamola Kuseju of Ikorodu LGA outclassed Basirat Kelani of Ijede LCDA 4–1 in the 54kg.
Other highlights included Kolade Ojo (Ikorodu North LCDA) defeating Akinola Akingbade (Agboyi Ketu) 5–0 in the 55kg; Shazilly Hamzat (Ikorodu West LCDA) edged Waris Sanusi (Ikosi Isheri LCDA) 3–2 in the 60kg, while Kingsley Gabriel (Ikorodu North LCDA) beat Folagbade Ademola (Ikosi Isheri LCDA) 3–2 in the 65kg.
