By Dipo Olowookere
The World Light Heavyweight title defence between Lani Daniels and Bolatito Oluwole will no longer air on Sky TV but YouTube, the promoters of the bout have announced.
The boxing match, scheduled for Saturday, September 7, 2024, at Globox Arena (formerly known as Claudelands Arena) in Hamilton, New Zealand, is being packaged by Ironfist Promotions.
In a statement made available to Business Post, the promoters explained that the fight was moved away from Sky TV because of the cost.
“Putting on a world title fight is expensive, not only for the sanctioning fees but also for flying in officials from overseas, flying and paying for a credible opponent, and more, which can cost just one fight over $50,000.
“Due to this, the promoters at Ironfist Promotions had decided to move their event away from Sky TV to save money and instead broadcast the event live on YouTube,” parts of the statement said.
Nigerian female boxer, Bolatito Oluwole, fondly called Black Tito, intends to snatch the IBF Light Heavyweight title from her opponent, Lani Daniels, during the fight.
It is believed that there could be invested interest in Australia and America as the winner between the duo could battle to unify their titles with the WBA World Light Heavyweight champion, Che Kenneally, from Australia and the WBC, WBO & WBF Unified World Heavyweight champion, Claressa Shields.
On top of that, former WBC World Heavyweight champion, Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse, from Canada might be interested in taking on the winner as she attempts to reclaim a world title.
Ironfist Promotions said in the statement that with vast interest in the IBF Light Heavyweight fight, it was best to stream it live on YouTube to provide an opportunity for people worldwide to watch the event and also save costs.
It also stated that other fights include Tauranga Rini Porter vs. Auckland Jesse Maio and a semi-pro fight between Michael Peterson and Riki Sharpe.
The event will feature kickboxing, amateur boxing and tag team kickboxing.
One of the amateur boxing fights will feature Shortland Street star Zak Martin, who plays Dr. Rahu Parata. Martin has been very successful in his amateur boxing career in 2024.
Martin has just returned from Australia, where he won a Gold medal at the 2024 Australian Golden Gloves held in Mansfield, Queensland.
Modupe Gbadeyanka