The Battle of the Ages boxing series witnessed drama after Ridwan “Scorpion” Oyekola apologised to fans for missing his highly anticipated rematch with Tosin “Sojar Boy” Osaigbovo in Lagos.
Oyekola was scheduled to face Osaigbovo for the WBA Africa Lightweight Gold Title at the 14th edition of the event on Saturday, September 26, at the National Institute for Sports, National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.
However, the boxer could not return to Nigeria from Mexico in time for the bout because of an immigration-related issue.
Battle of the Ages Rematch Cancelled
The Battle of the Ages rematch attracted significant attention, with supporters travelling from Ibadan to Lagos to watch Oyekola face Osaigbovo again.
Following his absence, Oyekola released a video message in which he apologised to his fans and said efforts had been made by his team and the promoter to ensure the fight took place.
He also praised De’Lad Boxing Promotions CEO, Alhaji Wasiu Alabi, for his support throughout the process.
With Oyekola unavailable, organisers moved quickly to save the scheduled attraction by bringing in Lateef “Captain” Azeez to face Sojar Boy.
The replacement contest produced an entertaining eight-round encounter, with both boxers battling through the scheduled distance before the bout ended in a draw.
The result allowed the Battle of the Ages card to maintain its competitive action despite the absence of the original headline rematch.
The Battle of the Ages was followed by controversy after Oyekola reacted to comments allegedly made by Osaigbovo after his fight with Azeez.
Oyekola accused Sojar Boy of making derogatory remarks about him and his family.
He said the comments had left him disappointed and declared that he would no longer accept a bout against Osaigbovo, regardless of the financial offer.
Oyekola also said he expected respect from his fellow Nigerian boxer.
De’Lad Boxing Promotions also apologised to spectators who had attended the Battle of the Ages expecting to see the Oyekola-Osaigbovo rematch.
Promoter Alhaji Alabi Waheed said Oyekola had informed the management about problems with his residency documents in Mexico.
According to Alabi, the promotion sent money to help resolve the issue but was unaware that the problem remained unresolved.
He explained that the organisers brought in Azeez so that fans would still have a competitive bout after paying to attend the event.
Battle of the Ages Produces Major Boxing Performances
The Battle of the Ages also featured several notable performances across the card.
Omole Dolapo stopped his opponent in the first round of the opening bout before calling out leading fighters in the featherweight and super-featherweight divisions.
Idowu Rasheed also recorded a first-round knockout victory over Folivi Mawuli to become the new WBA Africa Light-Heavyweight Champion.
In the super-welterweight division, Riliwan “Babyface” Babatunde and Michael “Hit Man” Ani went the distance in an eight-round contest.
Azeez Bakare secured a unanimous-decision victory over Seun “Ugly Wolf” Arowolo to become the new National Champion.
Another eight-round super-welterweight contest between Abdulafeez Osoba and Abdulahi Saheed ended in a draw.
In the lightweight division, Ahmed “Small Tyson” Lawal defeated Sodiq “Golden Bou” Oyakojo by unanimous decision after eight rounds.
Despite the absence of the headline rematch, the 14th edition of the Battle of the Ages produced several competitive bouts, title changes and memorable performances in Lagos.
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