Nigerian boxer Efetobor Apochi delivered a spirited performance to claim the vacant North American Boxing Federation (NABF) Cruiserweight title after defeating Cuba’s Dariel Duquesne by majority decision on Friday night in Houston, Texas.
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The bout, held at the BiYu Arena, saw Apochi edge a closely contested fight with judges’ scorecards reading 95-95, 96-94, and 96-94 in his favour.
Duquesne, who enjoyed a height and reach advantage, started brightly and controlled the early rounds.
However, Apochi responded in the fourth round with a powerful left hook followed by a right hand that briefly dropped the Cuban at the bell, although the referee ruled the punch came after time and did not count it as a knockdown.
The contest remained competitive throughout, with Apochi showing resilience to overcome a 13-month layoff and secure his first career victory by decision.
The win also handed Duquesne his first professional defeat.
With the result, Apochi improves his record to 14 wins and three losses, including 13 knockouts, while Duquesne drops to 14-1.
In a display of sportsmanship after the fight, both fighters were seen posing together with the title belt, highlighting mutual respect following an intense contest.
The 35-year-old Apochi, now based in Houston, is expected to use the regional title as a stepping stone toward a potential world title opportunity.
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