Lagos – Lagos State boxers on Thursday night proved their mettle with a  4-4 draw against the Repton Boys of London in an international boxing contest.

The two-hour eight bout breathtaking encounters thrilled boxing fans who filled the Grand Balloon Hall of the Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island.

The Repton Boys defeated the Lagos boxers 5-3 during the first edition of the programme, which was held at the same venue.

There was uproar after a controversial judgment gave Muri Shango victory over Umar Sadiq of Repton in the 81kg.

The judge had announced a 2-1 victory in favour of Sadiq but later reversed the scores in favour of Shango, apparently in response to protest the by fans.

In 65kg categories, Olaide Fijabi lighted up the hall when he knocked out his Repton counterpart, Sam McNess in third round but Christian Abor lost to Bret Beardon.

In the 81kg, both Simon Lewis and Michael Evans defeated Wasiu Balogun and Azeez Olumengbon while Shina John also lost to Ryan Pickard in the 73kg.

Sikiru Fatai, Taiwo Oyegunwa also did Lagos proud by defeating their counterparts, Michael Macarthy and Ben Falaja, in the 62kg and 69kg respectively.

Femi Babafemi, Head Coach, Lagos State Amateur Boxing Association told NAN that he was happy at the performance of his boxers, saying their experience and early preparations helped them.

“My boxers contest tonight was superlative. I think their experience and preparations helped them, although the judgment was not good enough,’’ Babafemi said.

Cary Mcharthy, Head Coach, Repton Club, in his own reaction said he was satisfied with the judgments; he also commended his team for their brilliant performances.

“My team performed well tonight and Lagos boxers also displayed good skills and will improvement better if given more exposure,’’ Mcharthy said.

Meanwhile, Olawale Edun, Chairman ,Lagos State Boxing Hall of Fame (LSBHF),  sponsor of the monthly “Saturday Boxing Show’’ and initiator of the international bout said he was impressed with the bout.

Edun, a former Lagos State Commissioner of Finance, also gave kudos to the state government for its support for the programme and zeal to develop grassroots sports.

“I am indeed happy that boxing is doing very well in Lagos now and I believe with the sustenance of this programme, boxing would be taken to the next level,“ Edun said.

NAN reports that a repeat of the international bout will be staged during the 23rd Monthly ‘’Saturday Boxing Show’’ on Saturday at the Mobolaji Johnson Sports Centre, Yaba. (NAN)