The much-anticipated clash between Oto “Joe Boy” Joseph, African Boxing Union lightweight champion, and West African Boxing Union counterpart Rilwan “Real One” Oladosu has been approved by the ABU and will occur on GOtv Boxing Night 20, October 12, from the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Lagos.
This was disclosed by Flykite Productions, organizers of GOtv Boxing Night.
Dubbed “Fight of the Decade,” “Joe Boy” will stake his title, which he successfully defended against Ghana’s Success “Braveheart” Tetteh at GOtv Boxing Night 18 in Ibadan in April. “Joe Boy” and “Real One” are considered two of the best fight lightweights from their respective countries, on a national level.
Both boxers, who remain undefeated, have never fought professionally, but “Real One” claims he defeated “Joe Boy” in their days as amateurs. The claim has been denied by the ABU champion, who regards himself as the king of the division. As common in fierce rivalries, there is bad blood aplenty.
Twice this year, “Real One” has publicly challenged “Joe Boy.” The first time was at the press conference announcing GOtv Boxing Night 18, which saw “Real One” leap out of his seat to yell at “Joe Boy,” who ahead of “Joe Boy’s” title defense against Tetteh.
The verbal confrontation almost resulted in an exchange of blows.
Again at the Indoor Sports Hall of the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Ibadan, where “Joe Boy” knocked out Tetteh in the first round, “Real One” jumped into the ring, as “Joe Boy” was being announced winner, to throw down another challenge—to the delight of the capacity crowd, many of whom believe he is the one that can end “Joe Boy’s” run.
For many analysts, the rivalry is reminiscent of the Dele Jonathan versus the late Hogan Jimoh and Joe Lasisi versus Jerry Okorodudu rivalries of the 80s.
–newtelegraphng.com
