In a bold declaration of intent, Omonlei Imadu, the driving force behind the Yucateco Boxing League, has assured that the league will produce medal-winning boxers for Nigeria at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. “Mark my words, this league will produce world and Olympic champions for Nigeria,” Imadu confidently stated in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Sunday.
As the newly elected President of the Boxing Promoters Association of Nigeria (BPAN), Imadu emphasised that the league adheres to international standards, ensuring that every boxer is medically certified before entering the ring. “We are not just doing this for the fun of it, but to become the breeding ground for the next generation of boxers in Nigeria,” he added.
The Yucateco Boxing League, now in its second season, features twelve boxing clubs competing for the grand prize of N50 million. With the league entering its third week of action on August 23 in Apongbon, Lagos, the stakes are high as the clubs continue their fierce pursuit of glory. The season began on August 11 in Ikeja and has since moved through various locations, including Ikorodu, as the battle for supremacy heats up.
In the second week of bouts, Israel Makinde of Akil Boxing Club delivered a stunning 5-0 victory over Chukwuebuka Solomon of Angulo Siete Boxing Club in the men’s 51kg category. Faruk Oshikoya of Miramontes followed suit, dominating Gbadeyemi Mayowa of Progreso Boxing Club with another 5-0 win.
The 51kg match between Moruf Uthman of Francis Aiyegbeni Boxing Club and Mutiu Alajide of Harmony Boxing Club was a closer contest, with Alajide narrowly securing a 5-3 victory. Meanwhile, Quam Musefiu of Agunlo Seite Boxing Club stole the show in the men’s 57kg category, recording a 5-0 triumph over Adeyinka Wahab of Akil Boxing Club.
In the 63.5kg division, Omotayo Qudus of Progreso Boxing Club emerged victorious with a decisive 5-0 win against Qudus Akinwande of Miramontes Boxing Club. Buoyed by his success, Qudus expressed confidence in his ability to dominate his weight category and become the season’s Most Valuable Boxer. “I make bold to say that I am the man to beat,” he declared, attributing his readiness to his coaches’ guidance.
The league’s Technical Director, Babatunde Laguda, praised the mental discipline and commitment displayed by the clubs in the opening weeks. “The boxers and their respective clubs have shown that they are truly ready for the new season. Our rules within and outside the ring are being adhered to, and this has made our job easier,” Laguda noted, adding that the boxers’ hunger to succeed has electrified each bout.
Source: NAN
