9th July, 2013
Jude Ilo defeated Bassey Ekpenyoung and became the new Light Heavyweight champion in a 12 round challenge contest decided at the Brai Ayonote Boxing Gym, National Stadium, Lagos State, Sunday.
Speaking shortly after the fight but together by Freels and Threels Boxing Promotions and sanctioned by the Nigerian Boxing Board of Control, NBB of C, Ilo attributed his victory to hardwork, “I’m very elated that I made good my promise that I was going to defeat Ekpenyoung, I want to thank my fans for their support.”
Ilo further declared his readiness to take on any opponent whenever he is called upon to do so, “Even if I’m at sleep I’m ready to take on any challenger, boxing is what I do for a living and I know in no distant time I would be crowned a world champion.”
Ekpemyoung, who got defeated, refused all attempts by journalists to speak with him as he rooted in his seat.
In other bouts decided Waidi Usman outpunched Michael Joseph in the eight rounds Featherweight contest.
Jamiu Animashaun defeated Tope Berinja in the six rounds Welterweight contest.
Meanwhile, Secretary General of the NBB of C Remi Aboderin said he was impressed with the performance of the boxers and the turnout of boxing fans saying “What I saw from the boxers was encouraging, the fans too were encouraging but if we must move boxing in the country forward we still need more people to come and see the best of professional boxing in the country.”
Aboderin also made a clarion call to corporate bodies in the country to come and sponsor professional boxing in the country so the NBB of C can unearth more budding boxing talents.