Fast growing pugilist “Babyface’’ born Rilwan Babatunde on Sunday night emerged the Most Valuable Boxer of the 11th GOTV Boxing Tournament in Ibadan and won N2 million with a trophy.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that he defeated Waliu Arogundade known as “Oganla’’ through a Technical Knock Out (TKO) few minutes into the fourth round of their eight-round National Light Welterweight Challenge.
Arogundade had received heavy punches that floored him twice in the third round but could not make further impact due to weakness in the fourth round.
Also, Akeem Sadiku, popularly called “Dodo’’ defeated Saka Kazeem known as “KC Confidence’’ in the first round through TKO in the National Light Middleweight Challenge.
Sadiku was reported to have fought seven fights of which he won six through TKOs and drew one on points.
Olaide Fijabi known as “Fijaborn’’ defeated Vincent Essien also on TKO in the third round of the National Light Welterweight Challenge.
Other results saw Kabiru Towolawi known as “KB Godson’’ defeat Adewale Masebinu known as “Masevex’’ in the second round through TKO in the National Light Heavyweight Challenge.
Sadiq Adeleke known as “Happy Boy’’ defeated Taiwo Kareem called “Twin Warrior’’ in the second round of the National Bantamweight Challenge through TKO.
NAN reports that Kareem could not match the heavy punches from Happy Boy which threw him on the canvass severally throughout both rounds.
“Tyson’’ Sule Olagbade defeated “Hammer’’ Wahab Adebisi in the seventh round of the National Light Middleweight Challenge also through TKO.
“Joe Boy’’ born Oto Joseph defeated Ayitey Mettle of Ghana in the first round of the West African Lightweight title bout.
NAN also reports that the boxers displayed their stuff to the amazement of fans at the Indoor Sports Hall of Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Ibadan.
The tournament featured seven bouts of various categories many of which were won through TKO.
The bouts are National Bantamweight Challenge, National Light Welterweight Challenge, National Light Middleweight Challenge and National Light Heavyweight Challenge.
Others are National Light Welterweight Challenge, National Light Middleweight Challenge and West African Lightweight Title.
The management of Multichoice, owners of GOTV, gave out 50 decoders to spectators who thronged the venue of the tournament in their hundreds.
Among the dignitaries that attended were Saheed Fijabi, Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Telecommunications, Abayomi Oke, Oyo State Commissioner for Youths and Sports.
Others are Toye Arulogun, Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr Rafiu Ladipo, President-General, Nigeria Supporters Club, Yomi Osikanye, South-West Zonal Director, Federal Ministry of Sports. (NAN)
TAA/PDE