West African Boxing Union (WABU) middleweight champion, Abolaji “Afonja Warrior” Rasheed, has vowed to defend his title with the last drop of his blood when he faces challenger, Ghana’s Arye Ayitteh, at GOtv Boxing Night 13. The bout is one of the three international title bouts at the seven-fight event holding on 26 December at Landmark Events Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos. The show will also witness performances by Small Doctor, Simi, Falz The Bahd Guy and Reekado Banks.
Speaking in Lagos yesterday, the WABU champion said the age-old sporting rivalry between Nigeria and Ghana will motivate him to give his best when defending his title.
“The fact is it should never be heard that a Nigerian boxer is defeated by a Ghanaian opponent in Nigeria. I will fight with everything I have to retain my title and send Ayitteh back to Ghana empty handed. He is in for a very bad time. I will ruin his Christmas,” he said.
In the lightweight category, Nigeria’s Oto “Joe Boy” Joseph will take on Egypt’s Abdulrahim Ahmed for the vacant African Boxing Union (ABU) title, while Olaide “Fijaborn” Fijabi will take his first stab at the light welterweight continental title when he confronts Kenya’s Michael Odhiambo. The lightweight division will also feature Rilwan “Real One” Oladosu, who will fight Kehinde “Ijoba”Badmus for the national title. Rilwan “Baby Face” Babatunde will square up to Chijioke “Painless” Ngige for the national light welterweight crown.
Two challenge bouts in the lightweight and super middleweight divisions respectively will see Rilwan “Scorpion” Oyekola clash with Jimoh “Hogan Jimoh Jr.” Lukman, while Matthew “Wizeman” Obinna will duel with Cosmos ‘Awosika” David. Tickets for the event are available online at ariiyatickets.com, SLOT and Ebeano Supermarket outlets as well as National Stadium, Lagos.
Fans who buy tickets will be transported free from the National Stadium to the event venue and back.