Waidi “Skoro’’ Usman, the West African Boxing Union Featherweight Champion, says his overwhelming victory over David “Lucky Boy’’ Ekpeyoung was a testimony of his capability to conquer Africa.
Usman put up an impressive performance to defeat Ekpeyoung in a unanimous decision, recording 80-73, and 83-75 and 83-78 in an explosive encounter at the GOtv Boxing Night show on Saturday in Lagos.
He told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) after his victory that he was ready to step up to the African crown as he had completely dominated the West Africa contenders.
“I am very happy about my victory; it was a fight I prepared very hard for because I know my opponent was equally a great boxer.
“I have done well in the West Africa zone beating six contenders that have come my way in the past, now I want to step up to the Africa title,’’ Usman said.
Usman went home with the N1 million cash prize for the best boxer award at the GOtv Boxing Night 8.
Ekpeyoung on his part said he was sad about the loss but was glad he gave a good fight.
“I did well to overpower Usman but he was very smart and very tactical, he received everything I threw at him and was not giving up, he is an incredible boxer,’’ Ekpeyoung said.
The crowd at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Lagos, cheered Usman, whose fight with the impressive Ekpeyong was one of the highlights of the night.
In the main bout of the night, Abolaji “Afonja Warrior’’ Rasheed, emerged the National Middleweight Champion, defeating Sunny “King Hammer’’ Iyere via unanimous decision.
Iyere, who had held on to the championship title since 2001, gracefully conceded defeat to the hard punching Rasheed.
Iyere told NAN that he was very rusty having not engaged in any fight since 2011, but was glad he was able to give a good account of himself.
“It is a painful loss for me, losing the title I held on to for the last fifteen years.
“I could not get any fight to prepare me for this one, I had my last fight in 2011 and it was not easy matching an opponent who has been fighting.
“But I appreciate GOtv for promoting the fight and boxing in general, I look forward to seeing many fights in the future,’’ Iyere said.
In the light welterweight category, Olaide “Fijaborn’’ Fijabi wasted no time in proving his competence as he knocked out Tombraye Christmas in the first round of their bout.
Similarly, the return of Stanley Edo Boy Eribo, saw him record a fifth round technical knockout against Dele Lagelu Adeleke in the National Welterweight Challenge.
The Super Middleweight clash between Matthew “Wizeman’’ Obinna and Samuel “Lion Heart’’ Igbokwe was declared a no-contest after both fighters could not impress the judges.
Discussion about this post