25th October, 2013
Team Lagos defeated selected team of the London elite boxing association at the annual Sir Henry Cooper Boxing Classics held at the Royal Lancaster Hotel on Thursday night in London.
The All Black Tie dinner event and a Night of a Worthy cause was used to aid the Bud Flanagan Leukemia Fund with proceeds going to the Royal Marsden Hospital while using the platform of the tournament to expose and encourage the boxers om their carers.
Team Lagos got off to a winning start with Nike Salami out punching her opponent in the 56kg bantam weight, Valerian Spicer, and claiming a unanimous decision victory.
Taiwo Agbaje and Riliwan Oladosu followed up with two more victories in the 56kg bantamweight and 60kg light welterweight categories against Reece Bellotti and Mo Gharib respectively. The two victories were on unanimous decision.
Femi Akintayo and Gabriel Francis capped a remarkable night for the team with technical know out wins against Robert Garvey and Armindo Lopez respectively.
Team Lagos recorded five wins against London select’s three wins.
Speaking after Team Lagos’ triumph, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth, Sports and Social Development, Dr. Abiola Awonuga, who led the delegation to London said the boxers did the state proud.
“This has been a good outing for us, it is what we expected. The performance of the boxers was so superb, they really proved that they prepared for this event. I must say that their preparation was not in vain. I’m so glad that they have learnt a lot and it would make them do better in future tourney.
“The organisation of this event is impressive,” she said.
In his own remarks, chairman, Lagos Boxing Hall of Fame, Prince Olawale Edun, said he was pleased with the achievement of the team.
“The referees and judges did us proud with the officiating. The boxers themselves have done well. They have won five of the fights with two knockouts. What I can say is that I am very pleased with the boxers, especially the young ones such as Christian Abua who is just 17. He has learnt so much in the ring at the event,” said the former Commissioner for Finance in Lagos State.