By JACOB AJOM
New West African Featherweight champion, Waidi “Skoro” Usman has promised Nigerian boxing fan a world title in the nearest future.

Speaking after knocking out Ghana’s Alfred “Ahwor” Quaye in the second of their scheduled 12-round contest, the reigning National Featherweight champion said the fight has brought him more hunger for greater things. The feat was achieved at the second edition of the GOtV Boxing Night, held at the National Stadium, Lagos, on Sunday night.

Rashidi Fatai of Ogun State (red) and Chinedu Ani of Imo State fight in the boxing 81kg men semi finals bout.  Photo: Henry Unini

“The next step is to ensure we go for the Commonwealth and world titles,” Usman said, adding that with the support of GOtv and Flykite Productions, he was sure to have more fights and better his ranking in both the Commonwealth and world boxing bodies.

Usman, who became national champion in his class at the maiden edition of the GOtv Boxing Night, stopped his boastful opponent without much stress and made nonsense of Quaye’s pre-match boast that he was out to prove Ghana’s superiority over Nigeria in sports.

Combining the speed of hand and thought that got the crowd chanting ceaselessly, Usman thumped his opponent with fury that ensured a Technical Knockout.

In another firecracker contest, Tope “Young” Ogunshinasi failed in his bid to wrest the National Heavyweight title from Adewale “Tiger”Abbey, reigning National Heavyweight champion.

Ogunshinasi, however, ran the champion close, as evidenced by scores from the three judges.

The night began with professional debutant, Ottoh “Joe Boy” Joseph, kicking off his career with a win by defeating Kehinde “Ijoba” Badmus over six rounds in a Lightweight challenge. This was followed by the six-round Light Middleweight challenge bout between Sunday “Capo” Olalekan and Tonbraye “Tornado” Christmas, an army corporal who was ceaselessly cheered on by a large contingent of soldiers in attendance. It was an explosive fight, as the two boxers left fans at the edge of their seats. But there was nothing to choose between them as the fight was declared a draw by the judges.

In the Light Welterweight elimination bout between Waliu “Oganla” Arogundade and Olaide “Fijaborn” Fijabi, a debutant, the latter made a winning debut by defeating his opponent on points. Fijabi, whose skills and reputation made him the crowd favourite, also went home with the trophy awarded to the best boxer on the night.

The 10-round National Light Middleweight elimination bout involving Jamiu “Rotor” Animashaun and Wahab “Hammer” Adebisi started on a tasty note, but did not last, as it was declared a no contest by the judges in the fourth round.