By Daniel Akinola

Talented hard puncher Michael Bolarinwa at the weekend emerged the Best Boxer at the Lagos Boxing Hall of Fame (LBHF) Ikeja Divisional Championships, held at Agege Stadium.
 
Organised by LBHF in collaboration with the Lagos Amateur Boxing Association (LABA), the tournament marked the first of five divisional contests in the LBHF-organised IBILE format, which will culminate in the prestigious end-of-year Governor’s Belt.
 
Bolarinwa earned the accolade after dominating Taiwo Rokeeb in the men’s 50kg category with a commanding 5–0 victory. His performance also earned him a cash prize of N250, 000.
  
While two exhibition bouts ended in draws, several other boxers impressed, securing their places as Ikeja Division representatives for the Governor’s Belt finals.
  
Speaking after receiving his award, an elated Bolarinwa said: “I think my performance was 100 per cent today due to my skills. I feel so happy and excited to be part of this championship. It was not an easy right from the trials to the final, so I thank God for the victory. I really deserve it.” 
 
Looking forward to more wins, Bolarinwa said: “I hope to represent Nigeria because I’m already a national champion, 2023 National Youth Games silver medalist, and 2024 gold medalist. I will represent Lagos State in the national intermediate games this year, and I hope everything goes up from here to representing Nigeria.”
  
The 12-bout tournament was graced by LBHF founder and Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF) President, Wale Edun, who reflected on the journey since the inception of the LBHF Monthly Saturday Boxing Show in 2009.
  
Edun remarked: “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 recognized as champions. At LBHF and NBF, we are committed to encouraging young athletes to live healthy, disciplined lives and to celebrate their achievements at every opportunity.”
  
LBHF Director David Mohamed described the launch of the IBILE Divisional Championships as the realisation of a long-time dream: “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.”