The 32nd edition of Africa’s premier boxing event, GOtv Boxing Night, is scheduled for December 26 at Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos. Since its debut in 2014, GOtv Boxing Night has become a prime platform for Nigerian and African boxers to make a name for themselves. Organised by Flykite Productions, the event has wowed boxing fans across Africa with unforgettable national and international title bouts across weight categories. In no particular order, here is a list of the most cracking fights at the event:

1. Waidi ‘Skoro’ Usman vs. Edward ‘Shaka’ Kakembo: The headline bout of the 5th edition, held in December 2015, saw Skoro, a big favourite of the Lagos boxing public, attempt to win the vacant African Boxing Union (ABU) featherweight title against his Ugandan opponent. But Kakembo, who appeared on the ring wearing big and long chains around his neck, had too much in the tank for Skoro. His speed of thought and hands were too much for Skoro, and in no time, the crowd cheered him loudly. He won by a split decision.

2. Oto “Joe Boy” Joseph vs. Nurudeen “Prince” Fatai: Both were at their peak in 2016 when the bout was held. It was a grudge match, with Nurudeen seeking to avenge his previous defeat in a non-title bout. The chance to exact revenge was twice delayed because Nurudeen, the reigning national champion at the time, was injured.

The chance came on 1 May 2016 and headlined GOtv Boxing Night 7. Nurudeen’s title was on the line. The volume-punching Joe Boy met a tough Nurudeen in what has to be one of the most bruising bouts ever at GOtv Boxing Night.  Joe Boy won by unanimous decision after 12 gruelling rounds, winning the N1 million cash prize attached to the Mojisola Ogunsanya Memorial Trophy for the best boxer.

3. Taiwo “Gentle Boy” Olowu vs. Alidu Sulemana: The West African Boxing Union (WABU) title fight, which took place at GOtv Boxing Night 30, had everything: action, drama, controversy and sub-regional rivalry. The last attribute was on account of the Ghana-Nigeria rivalry which, by default, is as fierce as anything. Sulemana, a Ghanaian, battled Olowu with guile and determination for the WABU Super Welterweight title in a very close contest. Olowu ultimately won via a split decision, though some fans felt the Ghanaian fighter deserved the victory.

4. Rilwan Babatunde vs. Edem “Lion Heart” Biki:  A very spicy bout despite it being a non-title contest. There was so much aggression and determination on display. Biki was knocked down in the third round and was thought incapable of offering resistance. But he rebounded to do what he was deemed incapable of, delivering a fierce resistance and giving Babatunde a cut above his right eye. Babatunde was not slowed down by the injury, as he returned after being treated to deliver a mean combination, with the last punch an uppercut, to knock Biki unconscious. The medical team’s quick response prevented any serious consequences, and Biki was rushed to a nearby hospital.

5. Bolatito “Black Tito” Oluwole vs. Celina “Pretty Assassin” Agu: Arranging fights for female boxers can be challenging, but GOtv Boxing Night finally brought these two undefeated fighters together for a national cruiserweight title clash at its 28th edition. Despite suffering a right-hand injury in the fourth round, Black Tito pushed through all eight rounds to secure a unanimous decision victory over Pretty Assassin. Her performance earned her the Best Boxer award, making her the first female to win the Mojisola Ogunsanya Memorial Trophy, breaking a nine-year streak of male recipients.

6. Taiwo “Esepor” Agbaje Vs Richard Taruc Pumicpic: The headliner at GOtv Boxing Night 27, held in December 2022. Then the reigning West African Boxing Union featherweight champion, Esepor finally had the chance to fulfil his dream of becoming a world champion. In his path was a Philipino determined to end his unbeaten run. Deep into the seventh round of the explosive encounter, Esepor earned a technical knockout victory, sending the Lagos fans into wild jubilation. His fine display earned him his fourth Mojisola Ogunsanya Memorial Trophy for the best boxer, along with the cash prize of N1.5m.

7. Stanley “Edo Boy” Eribo Vs Sunday “Capo” Olalekan:  A masterclass in controlled demolition. This has remained a classic. It was at GOtv Boxing Night V and the first time the cash prize of N 1.5m was attached to the Mojisole Ogunsanya Memorial Trophy.  Eribo and Olalekan clashed in a high-stakes battle for the national light welterweight title, with both fighters determined to emerge victorious. Eribo was methodical and was like a coiled spring, leaping to action only when required. Capo, on the other hand, was an all-out attack machine. Eribo’s control made it easy for him to pick his opponent off. Capo huffed and puffed, but his punches were largely harmless, unlike Eribo’s which did plenty of damage and delivered the title. Eribo also won the N1.5m cash prize for the best boxer..

8. Fijabi “Fijaborn” Fijabi Vs Sadiq “Police Machine ” Ahmed: This had a David-Goliath vibe.  Fijaborn, who turned professional a year earlier, was pitched against the reigning national welterweight champion, Police Machine. Though short on experience, Fijaborn had the ability and, importantly, the stamina to execute the assignment. He dismissively defeated Police Machine, knocking him out in the fifth round and leaving him so punch-drunk that he staggered like a drunk walking a straight line. The cheers were deafening as he announced himself as a big-timer.

9 Taiwo “Gentle Boy” Olowu vs. Isaac “I-Star” Chukwudi: A grudge match with the added spice of a national welterweight title fight. Both had clashed in a non-title bout that ended in a draw. Gentle Boy felt he won. I-Star was seen celebrating after the result was announced, which further infuriated Gentle Boy. As the national welterweight champion, Olowu decided to put his belt on the line for a rematch at GOtv Boxing Night 27. Before the fight, I-Star boasted that he would end Gentle Boy’s reign with a knockout.  The fight lived up to its billing as both boxers traded force punches. In the eighth round, I-Star’s stamina began to wane. Olowu pounced with a power left hook to the jaw, sending I-Star sprawling like a battlefield casualty. That was the boast buster and the end of the contest won by knockout

10. Raphael ‘Iron King’ Kwabena Vs Olaide ‘Fijaborn’ Fijabi:  This Nigeria vs. Ghana showdown was a fierce battle of two undefeated champions. Fijabi, the reigning national champion, sought to bolster his international reputation, while Kwabena had won eight of his nine fights by knockout. With N1.5 million at stake for the best boxer of the 9th GOtv Boxing Night, anticipation was high. Both fighters were evenly matched, and the bout went the distance. Fijabi narrowly claimed victory through a split decision, ending Iron King’s unbeaten streak. Furious at the loss, Kwabena demanded an immediate rematch, which Fijabi accepted. However, the scheduled rematch for the 10th edition was postponed due to an injury Fijabi sustained.

With 31 successful editions, GOtv Boxing Night has delivered thrilling local and international contests over the past decade, turning local boxers into millionaires and providing a platform for amateur boxers to turn professional. It has been a transformative ten years for GOtv in the Nigerian and African boxing scene, creating memorable moments that will endure for both fans and fighters for years to come.

Flykite Productions, organizers of the GOtv Boxing Night, have announced that the ace R&B group, Style Plus, will perform live at the 32nd edition of the event, scheduled for December 26 at the Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos.

The night will also feature a blend of thrilling boxing action and premium entertainment, with live performances by Afrobeats stars Mayorkun and YKB, as well as a comedy session by the popular MC Lively.

Speaking about the entertainment lineup, Bamidele Johnson, Chief Executive Officer of Flykite Productions, said the inclusion of Style Plus is aimed at elevating the experience for fans. “GOtv Boxing Night is a unique mix of sport and entertainment. Adding Style Plus to the lineup ensures that attendees enjoy an unforgettable evening of music, laughter, and boxing excitement,” he said.

Style Plus, best known for their 2006 hit track “Olufunmi”, remains one of Nigeria’s most beloved musical groups, with their timeless songs continuing to resonate with audiences across generations.

GOtv Boxing Night 32 is organised by Flykite Productions and proudly sponsored by GOtv. The event will be broadcast live on SuperSport channels, reaching audiences in over 50 African countries.

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Friedkin Group (TFG) has completed the takeover of the Premier League club, Everton Football Club.

The company, which also owns the Italian club, AS Roma, and is led by American billionaire, Mr Dan Friedkin, has acquired a majority stake in Everton, starting a new era for the Merseyside club and ending Mr Farhad Moshiri’s time in charge at Goodison Park.

This ends an 18-month-long stressful sale process which saw a lot of buyers express interest in buying the club.

First, it looked like MSP Sports Capital, then 777 Partners, and there was the Friedkin Group’s initial interest only for them to walk away.

The eventual buyers re-emerged after John Textor pulled out.

The deal will see important changes made to the various men’s and women’s teams as well as improvements in club infrastructure.

The transaction was finalised following an agreement between Mr Farhad Moshiri’s Blue Heaven Holdings (BHH) and Roundhouse for the sale of BHH’s majority stake in the club.

The deal received the necessary regulatory approvals from the Premier League, Women’s Professional Leagues Limited, the Football Association, and the Financial Conduct Authority.

Speaking on the deal, Mr Marc Watts, incoming Executive Chairman of Everton Football Club, expressed his enthusiasm, noting that it will aim to change the course of the club.

“Today marks a momentous and proud occasion for The Friedkin Group as we become custodians of this iconic football club. We are committed to leading Everton into an exciting new era both on and off the pitch.

“Providing immediate financial stability to the Club has been a key priority, and we are delighted to have achieved this. While restoring Everton to its rightful place in the Premier League table will take time, today is the first step in that journey.”

Mr Moshiri, the outgoing majority shareholder, stated: “I truly believe that the transaction with The Friedkin Group is the best outcome for the Club and its future success.”

“I now hand over to new owners confident in the outlook for the Club and that our incredible fans will see the success on the pitch that they so thoroughly deserve.”

On his part, Mr Dan Friedkin, Chairman and CEO of TFG is proposed to be Chairman of the Board. He has appointed Marc Watts to serve as Executive Chairman, who will be responsible in this role for the management of the club.

Ms Ana Dunkel, TFG’s Chief Financial Officer and Mr Colin Chong, the Club’s interim CEO will also serve on the Board.

The statement added that more appointments will be made in the coming weeks.