Ridwan Oyekola has emerged the winner of the 15th edition of GOtv Boxing Night best boxer award and the one million naira cash prize that goes with the award.
Ibadan- based Oyekola was clearly the stand out performer of the night on a bill which featured seven bouts at the Indoor Sports Hall of Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Ibadan on Sunday night.
Popularly called the Scorpion, Oyekola against expectations dazzled to a deserved victory against Prince “Lion” Nwoye in a national lightweight challenge after the three judges gave him gave the unanimous decision.
On a night tested fighters like Oto Joseph, the African champion in the lightweight category successfully defended his title against Ghana’s Nathaniel Nukpe and Olaide Fijabi also an African champion in light welter class secured victory over Kazeem “Iberu” Ariyo.
Petit Oyekola warmed himself into the hearts of many fight fans who thronged the venue with very determined displays, making the other four bouts account for nothing as he ran away with the million naira award and also the Mojisola Ogunsanya Memorial Trophy.
Scorpion ensured that the boxing night which returned to Oyo state capital for the second time will become memorable for him and his fans in the manner he defeated Nwoye whom he earlier met in March at Police College, Ikeja where their bout was declared a draw.
An excited Scorpion told Complete Sports exclusively that Nwoye, a Police sergeant benefitted from home advantage during their first meeting.
“I know I won that first fight but it was declared a draw, today was a good opportunity for me to prove to him that I’m better.
“Winning the best boxer award was a shock to me because I never imagined that I could win it.
“I thank GOtv for giving me this opportunity,” the former bronze medal winner at 2012 edition stated.
