The 2024 Lagos Individual Boxing Club Championship has advanced to its knockout stages.
This follows the completion of the preliminary rounds at the Bishop Aggay Secondary School playground, Mushin, with several promising boxers securing quarter-final berths.
Among the standout performers is Bakare Azeem, who dominated Chineke Ikechukwu in a 74 kg category bout, delivering powerful, effortless punches to secure victory in the final round.
“My victory came from consistent training and always following my coaches’ instructions,” Azeem said after his win, expressing confidence ahead of his quarterfinal bout.
“Whoever I face next will be defeated,” he boasted.
Babajide Christopher, who competes in the 67 kg category, credited his success with overcoming his fears through encouragement from his coaching team.
“The words of encouragement from my coach and technical team really boosted my chances in the ring,” Christopher said, promising an improved performance in his next match.
Emirate Boxing Club’s Adeleke Apolo described the championship as a crucial platform for emerging talents at the grassroots level.
“This is an eye opener and another opportunity for up-and-coming stars to express themselves,” Apolo said, revealing his determination to clinch the title in his weight category.
Lagos State Boxing Coaches Association Chairman, Daniel Adekunle, commended the state government for bringing the championship to the grassroots level.
“This championship is of great magnitude, coming to the boxers at their base. It will help in producing the best boxers to represent the state in national competitions.” Adekunle said.
The tournament continues with the knockout bouts as boxers vie for honours in their respective weight categories of the competition that ends on Sunday.