Some of the best boxers in Nigeria are expected to gather in Lagos for the yearly Lagos Boxing Hall of Fame (LBHF) Governor’s Belt billed to hold on Boxing Day, December 26, at the Teslim Balogun Stadium.
 
According to the LBHF, the thrilling one-day fiesta assures boxing fans of top action at the event, which will be preceded by intensive training camps for all participants, including boxers traveling from other states.
  
LBHF Director, David Mohamed, said the fighters are expected to come from Ogun, Osun, Kwara, Oyo, Borno, and the FCT, Abuja will feature in this year’s edition, giving the tournament a stronger national outlook.
  
“We are ensuring the boxers are in peak condition for the tournament. For the first time, we have camped them together to undergo intensive training to sharpen their skills and guarantee top performances.  
  
“Including boxers from other states allows them to showcase their talents, enabling national handlers to identify them. The Governor’s Belt has been running for over 10 years, and this year we are making it bigger by expanding participation,” Mohamed said.
 
He said that the event will feature five main bouts and seven exhibition matches, promising an exciting display in the ring. 
  
In the men’s 50kg category, Lagos’ Faruk Abijuwon will square off against Osun’s Malik Onifade. The men’s 55kg will be an all-Lagos affair as Qudus Lateef battles Tijani Azeez. In the men’s 65kg, Opeyemi Odebode of Oyo takes on Rasak Tairu of Ogun, while another Lagos showdown unfolds in the men’s 67kg with Abdullahi Robiu facing Femi Adeniji. Rounding off the headline bouts, Lagos’ Olamilekan Alabi will welcome Kwara’s Mustapha Salam in the men’s 70kg. 
 
The only female bout, which is an exhibition match, will involve Khadijat Balogun of Jagun Girls Secondary School and Yakubu Alia of Goal Sellers Foundation Secondary School in the 40kg.
 
Founded by former amateur champion and current Finance Minister, Wale Edun, LBHF is a leading non-profit organisation dedicated to developing amateur boxing in Nigeria. 
 
Under the leadership of Director David Mohamed, the Hall of Fame has nurtured young talent through regular monthly shows and the prestigious Governor’s Belt Championship, helping athletes reach national and international levels.