Agege Stadium Prepares for LBHF Monthly Boxing Tournament
The Agege Stadium in Lagos is buzzing with excitement as the Lagos Boxing Hall of Fame (LBHF) monthly tournament is set to hold tomorrow, drawing boxing enthusiasts from across the city. This event, regarded as Nigeria's longest-running amateur boxing series, will feature eight competitive bouts and two exhibition fights, promising a thrilling night of pugilistic action.
Competitive Bouts and Exhibition Fights
Supported by the Lagos State Amateur Boxing Association, the tournament will showcase contests in the men's 50kg, 55kg, 60kg, 65kg, 70kg, and 75kg divisions, alongside exhibition bouts in lighter categories. The opening clash will see Mujeeb Olasunkanmi of Ikorodu face off against Akeem Salisu of Ajegunle in the men's 50kg division. Other highlights include Saliasu Hamzat (Ikorodu) versus Kalid Akeem (Oshodi) in the 55kg, and Ajisola Habeeb (Ikorodu) against Ibrahim Opeyemi (Surulere) in the 60kg.
In the men's 65kg division, Samodu Alabede (Alimosho) will take on Ishola Azeez (Mushin). Female boxers will also command attention, with Mariam Tijani (Lagos Island) battling Nura Sulaimon (Ojo) in the 48kg category, while Sofiat Yakub meets Anina Adekinwonsa in the 51kg. The men's 70kg bout features Ibrahim Kazeem (Ikorodu) against Fasasi Faesol (Ojo), before the night closes with a 75kg showdown between Lekan Kolawole (Ikorodu) and Kingsley Friday (Ipaja).
Director's Insights and Tournament Growth
LBHF Director David Mohamed described this edition as a prelude to the upcoming IBILE format tournament, which will stage monthly shows across Lagos' five divisions—Island, Badagry, Ikorodu, Mainland, and Epe—culminating in a championship finale. "We are excited that the tournament continues to grow every month with new boxers emerging," Mohamed said. "Providing this platform has not only engaged the pugilists but has also produced world-class talents for Lagos and Nigeria. Some LBHF boxers have gone on to represent Nigeria internationally, and we will continue to build on this legacy."
LBHF's Legacy and Impact
Founded in 2010 by Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, LBHF is a non-profit organisation dedicated to nurturing amateur boxing in Nigeria. Over the years, it has hosted regular tournaments, including the prestigious yearly Governor's Belt Championship, and produced notable fighters such as Taiwo "Esepo" Agbaje, the WBF Intercontinental champion. With its blend of grassroots development and elite ambition, the March LBHF tournament is set to deliver another blockbuster night of boxing in Lagos, reinforcing its role in shaping the future of Nigerian boxing.
