The De Lads’ Battle of the Ages boxing event held at the National Institute for Sports in Lagos was marked by thrilling matches and controversy. Three boxers emerged victorious in title bouts, while a defeated challenger has called for the Nigerian Boxing Board of Control (NBBofC) to intervene following a disputed decision.
Yusuf “Hungry Lion” Ogunbunmi claimed the vacant national super lightweight title with a split decision victory over Isaac “D-Star” Chukwudi after ten rounds of action. Despite being deducted a point during the contest, Ogunbunmi expressed satisfaction with his performance, saying, “I feel good and I am so happy to complete my mission. Chukwudi is a good boxer, he gave me a good fight and I am very grateful about that but I have nothing to say to him, he should go and join the line. I am looking forward to an international fight now.”
However, Chukwudi disputed the decision, claiming he was robbed of victory. “Everyone saw it, he did not beat me. I was the aggressor all through the fight. With every punch he made, I made more. It is a robbery, there is nothing like a rematch, they should just bring my title,” a visibly upset Chukwudi said after the bout. “They (NBBofC) should do justice, I won this fight,” he added.
In other title fights, Faruq “Ajobi” Taofeeq became the new National Super-Featherweight champion after securing a unanimous decision win over Ojo Arabambi, while Hassan “Thiago” Tiamiyu successfully defended his title with a devastating second-round knockout victory against Kazeem “The Killer” Lawal.
The undercard featured several exciting bouts, including Adeshina “Destiny Boy” Oluwatosin’s majority decision victory over Ezekiel “Touch” Seun and Afolabi Shittu’s win over Nurudeen Salahu, who retired in his corner after the fourth round.
The controversy surrounding Chukwudi’s loss has sparked debate, with many calling for the NBBofC to review the outcome. As the boxing community awaits the board’s decision, Ogunbunmi is set to focus on his next international fight.