The crowd at the Ojo Local Council Secretariat erupted in cheers as Olamilekan Alabi delivered a performance that will be remembered long after the gloves came off. At the Lagos Hall of Fame (LBHF) Ibile Divisional Championships in Badagry, Alabi not only claimed victory in the men’s 70kg category, but also walked away with the prestigious Best Boxer award — a testament to his grit, skill, and growing reputation.

Alabi’s bout against Gafar Adeleke of Ajeromi LCDA was a masterclass in resilience. Though he stumbled at the start, the young fighter quickly recalibrated, unleashing a flurry of jabs and uppercuts that left his opponent struggling to respond. By the final bell, the judges had little doubt: a 4–1 decision in Alabi’s favour, crowned by the officials’ recognition of his artistry in the ring.

For Alabi, the accolade was more than a trophy. “This is the reward for weeks of hard work,” he said, his face lit with pride. “I want to keep ruling the ring for a long time.”

The championship was a vibrant showcase of Lagos’ boxing talent. Ten bouts kept spectators on edge, with standout performances across divisions as Daniel Daramola of Ojo overwhelmed Farouk Abijuwon of Ifelodun LCDA 5–0 in the men’s 50kg. Yusuf Kareem of Iba LCDA dominated Ganiyu Raheem of Apapa Iganmu LCDA 5–0 in the men’s 55kg.

In a razor-thin contest, Faezol Fasasi of Iba LCDA edged Qudus Akinwande of Olorunda LCDA 3–2, while two spirited exhibition bouts between students ended in draws, highlighting the promise of the next generation.

At the end of the bouts, the chairperson of Ojo LCDA, Princess Muhibat Titilola Rufai-Adeyemi, lauded the initiative, pledging continued support for youth development through sports.

Her words underscored the broader mission of LBHF: to nurture amateur boxing across Lagos’ five divisions — Ikeja, Badagry, Ikorodu, Lagos Island, and Epe — and prepare fighters for national stages like the National Youth Games, National Sports Festival, and the upcoming Intermediate Games in October.

LBHF Director David Mohamed emphasised that the Ibile Divisional Championships are not just contests but stepping stones. “We are discovering new talents and shaping them to represent Lagos at major competitions,” he said.

With the championships set to roll through Ikorodu, Lagos Island, and Epe in the coming months, all roads lead to the Governor’s Belt Championship in December 2026.

For Alabi and many others, the journey has only just begun — but his dazzling display in Badagry has already marked him as a fighter to watch.