Lagos set for Fight Gist Media Boxing Awards

The maiden edition of the Fight Gist Media Boxing Awards is scheduled to take place on Monday, March 31 at the NIS Conference Hall, National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, from 5pm.

According to a statement by the Chief Executive Officer of Fight Gist Media, Akinlade Abiodun Sunday, the idea was designed to recognise excellence in Nigerian boxing and honour stakeholders for their invaluable contributions to Nigerian professional boxing.

For the Male Boxer of the Year, Idowu ‘ID Buster’ Rasheed, who captured the vacant UBO light-heavyweight title last April in Ghana with his sensational second-round KO over homeboy, Bastie Samir, will have to contend with six other boxers for the gong.

Other nominees for the Best Male Boxer award are Taiwo ‘Esepo’ Agbaje, Raheem ‘Baddo’ Animasahun, Tosin ‘Sojar Boy’ Osaigbovo, Austine ‘Magnificent Dancer’ Nnamdi, Rasheed ‘Fhally Boy’ Adeyemo
and Lekan ‘The Engine’ Muibi.

UK-based Elizabeth Oshoba tops the list of nominees for the Female Boxer of the Year award. The WBC Silver featherweight title holder will contend with Oluwole ‘Black Tito’ Bolatito, Blessing Bukola Dada, Celina ‘Pretty Assasin’ Agwu, Aishat Oriyomi, Mary Aina Abbey and Ojo Joy Nene.

For the Fight of the Year award, the duels in contention for the gong are that of Taiwo Agbaje vs Rilwan ‘Real Sow Boy’ Lawal; Ridwan ‘Scorpion’ Oyekola vs Tosin Osaigbovo; Isaac ‘D/I Star’ Chukwudi vs Williams ‘Kaki’ Amosu; Austine Nnamdi vs Agba ‘D-punisher’ Menasach; and Oluwole Bolatito vs Celina Agwu rematch.

Rilwan ‘Baby Face’ Babatunde tops the list of nominees for the Comeback of the Year award.

Other boxers nominated for the award are Isaac Chukwudi, Sulieman ‘Armour Tanka’ Jafaru and Taiwo Agbaje, who secured a seventh-round KO victory over Rilwan Lawal last year in Lagos.

Sulaimon ‘Sulexzy’ Ahmed, Raheem Animasahun, Azeez ‘Captain’ Lateef, Basit ‘Joker Boy’ Adebayo, Ojo Joy Nene, Ahmed Lawal and Toheeb ‘Xperience’ Adeniran will compete for the Prospect of the Year award.

Also on the night, Knockout of the Year, Upset of the Year, Trainer/Coach of the Year, Outstanding Boxer of the Year awards, etc will be staged.

Meanwhile, those listed for special recognition are Mr Remmy George, Mr Hilary D. Oyeka, and Ms Edna Bolade Aiyegbeni for their commitment in providing hope and opportunities to Nigerian boxing and boxers, as well as Mr Chucks Uwaechia, among others, for his positive impact on the African boxing sports community through Gloves for Africa Foundation.