🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
Taiwo Agbaje wins WBA Africa lightweight title but loses N2 million bet
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
Taiwo 'Esepo' Agbaje defeated Tosin 'Sojar Boy' Osaigbovo by unanimous decision to win the WBA Africa lightweight title at the Brai Ayanote Boxing Hall in Lagos. Agbaje had publicly wagered N2 million of his purse that he would knock out Osaigbovo in the seventh round, a prediction he made in the style of Muhammad Ali. Despite dominating the 10-round fight and improving his record to 19-0, Agbaje failed to secure the knockout, thus losing his bet. Osaigbovo, who entered the fight with an unbeaten record of 12-0, was taunted by Agbaje during a press conference, with Agbaje stating, "Everyone already knows I never lose. It’s a shame that you are going to get knocked out in round seven. Out of my purse, I want to bet N2 million that Sojar Boy will be knocked out." Osaigbovo responded by insisting victory was "1000 per cent sure" and warned Agbaje he would hand him his first professional defeat. The fight, promoted by De Lad’s Boxing Promotion and sanctioned by the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control, drew a sold-out crowd. De Lad’s Boxing Promotion Chairman, Alhaji Wahid Alabi, described the event as a landmark for Nigerian professional boxing, while Ariya Networks Director of Production, Tunji Aderibigbe, expressed confidence in further investment in Nigerian boxing. NBBofC Secretary-General Remi Aboderin highlighted the contest as a testament to the quality of fighters the board develops. The WBA Africa title is a regional championship sanctioned by the World Boxing Association, s
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