Rowe Park in Yaba is set to come alive tomorrow, as the Lagos Central Division of the Lagos Boxing Hall of Fame (LBHF) Divisional Championships takes centre stage at the Mobolaji Johnson Sports Centre.

The atmosphere promises to be electric as boxers from across Lagos converge for what has become a staple of grassroots boxing development in Nigeria.

The monthly tournament, organised by LBHF in collaboration with the Lagos State Boxing Association (LABA), is designed to cut across the five divisions of Lagos – Ikeja, Badagry, Ikorodu, Lagos Island, and Epe.

Each division will be represented at Rowe Park, with fighters battling fiercely for a chance to secure their place in the prestigious end-of-year Governor’s Belt competition.

Founded in 2010 by former Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, the LBHF has grown into a non-profit initiative that serves as a conveyor belt for amateur boxing talent in Lagos.

With the backing of LABA, the championships feature multi-weight class cards, ranging from nimble flyweights to powerful heavy hitters.

Over the years, the series has become Nigeria’s longest-running amateur boxing development programme, staged consistently on the last Saturday of every month.

This weekend’s event carries added significance as it marks the 150th edition of the tournament.

To celebrate the milestone, fans will be treated to 10 thrilling bouts, including men’s and women’s contests, as well as two exhibition matches featuring secondary school students.

In the 40kg exhibition category, Soliat Issa of Guest Senior Secondary School will face Josaino Ayodeji of Onike Senior Secondary School in the girls’ bout, while Habibu Idowu of Elegbata Secondary School takes on Habudulai Nurudeen of Alimujadu Secondary School in the boys’ contest.

The women’s title fights will see Aminat Tajudeen of Yaba LCDA clash with Rokibat Alayande of Lagos West LCDA in the 50kg division, while Rukayat Bello of Yaba LCDA battles Daramola Balogun of Mainland LG in the 60kg division.

The men’s card is equally stacked, featuring Olorunjuwon Bello against Hammed Oyeyemi in the 50kg, Kola Ogunsemore versus Gbolahan Abdulraman in the 60kg, and Rasheed Tajudeen against Habeeb Ajisola in the 65kg.

Other highlights include Abdulahi Robin versus Adeola Aiyegboyin in the 70kg, Ibrahim Akolade against Isah Jimoh in the 75kg, and the final bout between Quam Adesanya and Fawaz Alato in the 80kg.

According to LBHF Director, David Mohammed, the competition has grown tougher as boxers strive to secure their place in the Governor’s Belt. He emphasised that the IBILE format has become a reality, with divisions now producing representatives for the grand finale.

With support from fans and local councils, the tournament has firmly established itself as a fixture in Lagos sports, promising innovation and excitement for years to come.