Fresh from his emphatic coronation as the World Boxing Bureau (WBB) African Cruiserweight Champion, Nigeria’s Afinni Idris Abiodun has declared 2026 as the year he ascends to the global summit of the sport.
Afinni made his intentions clear after overpowering Sunday Abudu via fourth-round technical knockout in their scheduled 10-round contest at the Christmas Eve Boxing Showdown held at the late Sir Molade Okoya-Thomas Memorial Indoor Sports Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos.
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Speaking shortly after the bout, the newly crowned champion said he has no plans to linger on the continental stage, stressing that his long-term ambition is firmly fixed on winning the world title.
“I can’t wait endlessly to see the world title belt around my waist,” Afinni said. “I’m ready to dismantle any roadblock that will stand between me and my ambition.”
The cruiserweight contender revealed that his ultimate target is current world champion J. Paic of New Zealand, whom he hopes to face in a world title bout in 2026.
According to Afinni, the next step in his career requires strategic support and high-level promotion. He therefore appealed to the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBB of C), led by Dr. Rafiu Ladipo, to engage local promoters and create pathways for Nigerian boxers to compete for global honours.
“I’m pleading with the NBB of C to work with boxing promoters in the country to help stage a World Cruiserweight title fight,” he said. “I’m ready for that opportunity.”
Afinni’s victory over Abudu, sealed by a dominant TKO performance in round four, underlined his growing reputation as one of Nigeria’s most dangerous cruiserweights. With the African title now secured, attention will shift to whether the structures and opportunities can align to propel him onto the world stage.
For Afinni Idris Abiodun, the message is clear: the African belt is just the beginning, and the world title is firmly in his sights.
 African Cruiserweight Champion, Nigeria’s Afinni Idris Abiodun){kind=link}