By VIVIAN AHANMISI

Michael Bolarinwa has been crowned Best Boxer at the Lagos Boxing Hall of Fame (LBHF) Ikeja Divisional Championships.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the tournament was held on Sunday at the Agege Stadium, Lagos.

The event was organised by LBHF alongside the Lagos Amateur Boxing Association (LABA).

It marked the first of five divisional championships under the LBHF-IBILE competition format.

The series will produce finalists for the prestigious Governor’s Belt later in the year.

Bolarinwa claimed the award after defeating Taiwo Rokeeb 5-0 in the men’s 50kg category. His outstanding performance also earned him a cash prize of N250,000.

The 12-bout championship featured promising boxers battling for qualification to the Governor’s Belt finals.

Bolarinwa said his victory came from skill, preparation and determination throughout the competition.

“My performance was 100 per cent today because of my skills. I feel very happy and excited to be part of this championship,” he said.

The boxer said the journey was difficult but thanked God for helping him secure victory.“

It was not easy from the trials to the final, but I truly deserved this win,” he added.

Bolarinwa expressed hope of representing Nigeria after previous achievements at national competitions.

“I am already a national champion, a 2023 National Youth Games silver medallist and 2024 gold medallist,” he said.

He added that he would represent Lagos at the national intermediate games this year.

LBHF Founder, Wale Edun, described the championship as a product of years of commitment to boxing development.

Edun, who is also President of the Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF), recalled the journey since 2009.

“This is the culmination of our efforts since the Lagos Boxing Hall of Fame Monthly Saturday Boxing Show began,” he said.

He said former Lagos Governor, Babatunde Fashola, encouraged the revival of boxing in the state.

“Fashola asked us to revive boxing and create opportunities for young athletes,” Edun stated.

He added that LBHF had remained committed to boxers’ safety, discipline and career growth.

“The champions will compete until the Governor’s Belt, where Lagos’ IBILE Champion will emerge,” he said.

Edun noted that the structure gives young boxers recognition and a pathway to success.

LBHF Director, David Mohamed, described the divisional championship as the fulfilment of a long-term vision.

“This is the first divisional championship, and we are delighted with the progress,” Mohamed said.

He explained that the contests would serve as qualifiers for the Governor’s Belt.

Mohamed added that the Governor’s Belt would bring together champions from all divisions by December. (NAN)

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