‘Esepo’ for WBF title fight Dec 7

UNDEFEATED Nigerian featherweight boxer Taiwo ‘Esepo’ Agbaje will face Tanzanian Loren Japhet for the vacant World Boxing Federation world featherweight title at the Diete Spiff Civic Centre, Port Harcourt, on December 7, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Agbaje, who boasts an impressive record of 16 wins with 11 knockouts, will headline the ‘Simplified Rumble in Rivers for Champions’ event against Japhet (18-7-3-4KOs) in a 12-round contest.

The event, organised by Zeus Sports and Entertainment, will feature 10 bouts, including a historic comeback fight for former world heavyweight contender Ike ‘The President’ Ibeabuchi, who faces Egypt’s Sammy Abdalla after years of incarceration in the USA.

Former WBC Super Featherweight Silver Champion, Elizabeth Oshoba, will also feature on the card against Egypt’s Hargar Mohammed, while ex-WBO International light middleweight champion, King Davidson, takes on another Egyptian, Ayman Mohammed.

Former National and West African light heavyweight champion Jude ‘Great Jude’ Iloh completes the main card as he battles Angola’s Lando Henriques.

The event has garnered support from notable figures, including the Amanyanagbo of Okochiri kingdom, King Ateke Tom, who has accepted the role of patron.

“I particularly love and follow boxing. If I were still young, I’d participate in the fights because I like challenges,” King Tom said.

Several sports and entertainment personalities, including Finidi George, Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha, Flavour, and Burna Boy, are expected to grace the event.

Former Nigeria goalkeeper Peterside Idah believes the event will have a positive impact on Rivers State.

“Most times when you talk about Rivers State, all you hear is PDP and APC. You hear of wars and rumours of wars. But sports, like the international marathon we recently had, look at how it calmed down the whole society,” Idah stated.