Nigerian boxers have expressed delight at the return of GOtv Boxing Night. The 21st edition of the event scheduled to hold on 27 November at the Rowe Park Sports Centre, Lagos.
Speaking during an interview yesterday, Rilwan “Babyface” Babatunde, the West African Boxing Union (WABU) welterweight champion, said he is thrilled to return to action after a seven-month break.
Babatunde, who is billed to fight Jubril Olalekan in a challenge duel, said: “I can’t wait to fight again. I never stopped training even for one day, so I am fully prepared for the fight,” he said.
Former African Boxing Union (ABU) light welterweight champion, Olaide ‘Fijaborn’ Fijabi, who is making a ring return after two years also said he is excited at the chance to fight again. Fijabi, who will fight Dennis Mbat, said he expects to make a triumphant ring return.
“I’m happy to be back. Covid-19 disrupted my programme, but I am grateful to God that the ban on sporting activities has been lifted. Mbat will fall in three rounds,” Fijabi promised his fans.
WABU lightweight champion, Rilwan “Real One” Oladosu, who has his eyes on the African title, said GOtv Boxing Night 21 has given him the opportunity to restart his bid for the continental title. He commended the sponsors for their faith in Nigerian boxers.
“I’m happy that the sponsors have not abandoned Nigerian boxers. It has been a difficult year, but they have put a smile on our faces by bringing back GOtv Boxing Night,” said Real One.
Many boxing fans are similarly delighted and expectant to see their favourite boxers back in action A fan of Baby Face, who identified himself as Wale said: “I’m happy that GOtv Boxing Night is back. I am particularly excited that Baby Face will be in action, as it has been a long time since I last saw him fight.”
Another fan, Chinedu Duru, said he is disappointed that fans will not be allowed into the venue because of Covid-19. He is however happy at the chance to watch boxing again and will be by his television set on the day of the event.
The event will be headlined by a national bantamweight title bout between Habeeb Oladeji and Tunde ‘Turning Star’ Olojede.
Other bouts include a national light heavyweight challenge contest between Segun ‘Success’ Olanrewaju and Cosmos David and national super featherweight challenge between Sikiru ‘Omo Iya Eleja’ Shogbesan and Kazeem Oliwo.
The last edition of the show held in December 2019, while another was scheduled to hold in April this year but was postponed following Covid-19 outbreak and subsequent ban on large gatherings.
The event will be shown live on SuperSport Select 2 for all GOtv Max, Jolli and Jinja package subscribers.
