The National Boxing Trials got off to a thrilling start on Bout Day One as boxers from across Nigeria traded punches and tactics in their quest for national recognition.
READ ALSO: 10th Stephen Keshi Anniversary Memorial Lecture to Hold in Lagos
The trials are being held at the Brai Ayonote Boxing Gym, National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, with national coaches and selectors in attendance to closely monitor performances across the weight divisions.
From tightly contested point decisions to emphatic Referee Stopped Contest (RSC) victories and a number of walkovers, the opening day highlighted the depth of talent available within the country’s amateur boxing ranks.
The men’s 65kg division proved the busiest, accounting for nearly half of the day’s contests.
Wahab Abduramon delivered a composed and commanding performance to defeat Balogun Oluwatobi on points, while Henry Chukwuemeka edged Joseph Kemedel in one of the closest bouts of the day.
Azanor Junior and Adekoya Sultan also made strong statements with RSC victories, asserting their dominance early in the competition.
Action in the 70kg category produced several eye-catching displays, with victories recorded by Babalola Micheal, Nwoha Precious, Ajayi Uriel and Iliyas Aiyasha, all boosting their chances of progressing to the next phase of the trials.
The sole bout in the 80kg division saw Egbe David advance via walkover, while the 55kg category delivered a series of competitive encounters, including wins for Sodio Oduniyi, Habee Jamaldeen and Adekunle Kalid.
In total, 25 bouts were contested across four weight divisions on the opening day, underlining the intensity and competitiveness of the selection process.
Bout Day One Summary
Men’s 65kg – 12 bouts
Men’s 70kg – 4 bouts
Men’s 80kg – 1 bout
Men’s 55kg – 8 bouts
RSC victories – 2
Walkovers – 4
Bout Day One Results at a Glance
Men’s 65kg
Balogun Oluwatobi (GM) lost to Wahab Abduramon (RV) by points (0–5).
Joseph Kemedel (Bay) lost to Henry Chukwuemeka (AB) by points (2–3).
Adeniji Qudus (Glorious) defeated Gabel Karo (Imo).
Obodo Isreal (EN) defeated Bassey Kinsley (Sleep).
Oluwassun Abiodun (BO) won by walkover against Habeeb Faosy (LAUTECH).
Azanor Junior (DT) defeated Ilori Qudus (NG) by RSC.
Kinsley Gabriel (SUNM) lost to Raheem Ridwan (Edo).
Adekoya Sultan (Golden) defeated Sofiyu Alade Yusuf (KW) by RSC (Round 3).
Abdulahi Robiu (LG) defeated Joseph Shadrack (AK).
Saliu Ridwan (DT) defeated Ige Ridwan (OY).
Odey John (OD) defeated Gbenga Aniyi (JIG).
Patrick Paul (CR) won by walkover against Ubiaro Emmanuel (Diasporal).
Men’s 70kg
Joseph Isreal (BAU) lost to Babalola Micheal (BO).
Nwoha Precious (DT) defeated Akolade Ibrahim (Kamilat).
Orok Joseph (GM) lost to Ajayi Uriel (OG).
Joe Samuel (AK) lost to Iliyas Aiyasha (OY).
Men’s 80kg
Egbe David (IM) won by walkover against Nyong Bassey (AK).
Men’s 55kg
Sodio Oduniyi (OYO) defeated Ajeigbe Ayuba (EK).
Habee Jamaldeen (Edo) defeated Olagboye Ridwan (OD).
Akinlabi Taiwo (NG) lost by walkover to Jimoh Waliu (KW).
Lazarus Desmond (Hubbet) lost to Habeeb Quazeem (YS).
Makinde Isreal (BO) lost to Lateef Quodus (LG).
Udoko Marvelous (DT) lost to Dahusi Samuel (RV).
Adekunle Kalid (LAUTECH) defeated Iyang Akdan John (AK).
Bakare Taiwo (EN) lost to Ogunremi Micheal (OG).
The National Boxing Trials continue in Lagos as boxers intensify their push for selection.
