Boxers, fans rejoice over return of GOtv Boxing Night

• Fijabi vows to floor opponent in third round
Some Nigerian boxers and fans have expressed delight at the return of GOtv Boxing Night. The 21st edition, earlier scheduled for April 12, but postponed due to COVID-19 pandemic, will now hold on November 27 at the Rowe Park Sports Centre, Lagos.

Speaking during an interview yesterday, one of the pugilists, Rilwan “Babyface” Babatunde, who is the West African Boxing Union (WABU) welterweight champion, said he is thrilled to return to action after a seven-month break.

Babatunde, who is billed to fight Jubril Olalekan in a challenge duel next week, said: “I can’t wait to fight again. I never stopped training even for one day, so I fully prepared for the fight.”

Former African Boxing Union (ABU) light welterweight champion, Olaide ‘Fijaborn’ Fijabi, who is making a return to the ring after two years, also said he is excited at the chance to fight again.

Fijabi, who will fight Dennis Mbat, said he expects to make a triumphant ring return. “I’m happy to be back. Covid-19 disrupted my programme, but I am grateful to God that the ban on sporting activities has been lifted. My opponent Mbat will fall in three rounds,” Fijabi vowed.

WABU lightweight champion, Rilwan “Real One” Oladosu, who has his eyes on the African title, said GOtv Boxing Night 21 has given him the opportunity to restart his bid for the continental title. He commended the sponsors for their faith in Nigerian boxers.

“I’m happy that the sponsors have not abandoned Nigerian boxers. It has been a difficult year, but they have put a smile on our faces by bringing back GOtv Boxing Night,” Oladosu said.

Many boxing fans are similarly delighted and expectant to see their favourite boxers back in action. A fan of Baby Face, who identified himself as Wale said: “I’m happy that GOtv Boxing Night is back. I am particularly excited that Baby Face will be in action, as it has been a long time since I last saw him fight.”

Another fan, Chinedu Duru, said he is disappointed that fans will not be allowed into the venue because of Covid-19 restriction protocol, but added that he is happy at the chance to watch boxing again and will be by his television set on event day.

The event will be headlined by a national bantamweight title bout between Habeeb Oladeji and Tunde ‘Turning Star’ Olojede.

Other bouts include a national light heavyweight challenge contest between Segun ‘Success’ Olanrewaju and Cosmos David and national super featherweight challenge between Sikiru ‘Omo Iya Eleja’ Shogbesan and Kazeem Oliwo.