By Olanrewaju Agiri
Nigerian UBO Continental Africa light heavyweight champion Idowu Rasheed, popularly known as ‘ID Burster,’ yesterday successfully defended his title after defeating his opponent, Ahmed Swedy, by a technical knockout in 1 minute 9 seconds of a 10-round bout promoted by Balmoral Group Promotions at Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Reacting after the fight, Edna Bola Aiyegbeni, the proprietor of Francis Aiyegbeni Boxing Club, which produced Idowu Rasheed, dedicated the victory to the God Almighty because lots of people don’t believe the defense will be achievable while thanking the CEO of Balmoral Group Promotions for his huge investments in boxing and raising the standard of organizing a boxing show in Nigeria to meet the world standard.
Her words: “I would like to dedicate this victory to God Almighty, who made it possible for us to achieve what some people think is unachievable. Watching ID Burster in the boxing ring always brings me joy because he is a delight to watch. He makes me recall the days when my dad, Chief Francis Aiyegbeni, raised many talented heavyweight boxers who have made Nigeria proud.
“Idowu Rasheed is a promising boxer with the potential to reach the top, based on how he won this title in Ghana last year. We will not relent in our efforts to develop skilled boxers in various weight categories, both male and female, from Aiyegbeni Boxing Club.”
As I reflect on those memories, I can’t help but feel a sense of pride in carrying on my father’s legacy. The dedication and hard work of our trainers and young boxers inspire hope for a bright future in Nigerian boxing.
It will be recalled that Idowu Rasheed who made his first international debut on Saturday, April 13th 2024 did an unimaginable by brutally destroying a more experienced Ghanaian, Bastie Samir in the second round to win the vacant Universal Boxing Organization (UBO) African Light-Heavyweight title belt at Kawukudi Park Nima, in Accra, Ghana.
