Former African featherweight champions Taiwo “Esepo” Agbaje and Rilwan “Real Show Boy” Lawal are set to battle for the vacant IBO African Featherweight Title on 26 December at the Balmoral Convention Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos, in what promises to be an explosive encounter.
Agbaje, the undefeated former West African and WBF Intercontinental Featherweight Champion, boasts an impeccable 16-0 record, with 11 victories by knockout.
The 27-year-old Lagos native has been relentless in his pursuit of boxing greatness, stating that his ultimate goal is to become a world champion.
Known for his high-volume punching style, which earned him the nickname “Esepo” (plenty punches), Agbaje attributes his success to rigorous training and self-discipline.
“I face every fighter as a stepping stone toward my dream”, Agbaje said in a recent interview with PUNCH Sports Extra.
“Hard work and self-discipline have kept me unbeaten, and I’m not stopping now”.
Prepare for war, Agbaje warns foe
Standing in his way is Rilwan Lawal, a former National, West African, and African Featherweight Champion with an impressive 19-1 record, including 13 knockouts.
The 30-year-old Lagos-based boxer, known for his aggressive style and technical precision, last impressed fans with a dominant unanimous decision win over Ojo Arabambi earlier this year at the Freedom Park fight night.
The showdown between these two boxing titans comes at a critical time in their careers, as both aim to cement their legacy on the continental stage. While Agbaje enters the ring with an unblemished record and growing international recognition, Lawal’s wealth of experience and reputation for resilience make him a formidable opponent.
The stakes couldn’t be higher, with the IBO African Featherweight Title on the line and the winner potentially gaining a path to global opportunities. Boxing fans across the continent eagerly anticipate this bout, which headlines a night packed with intense rivalries and thrilling entertainment.
The Balmoral Convention Centre, known for hosting high-profile sporting events, will set the stage for this monumental clash. With both fighters bringing distinct styles and impressive records, the contest promises to deliver fireworks as Nigerian boxing continues its rise on the global stage.
