By Babatunde Ogunrinde
Lagos, Dec. 27, 2025
The electric atmosphere at a packed Tafawa Balewa Square for GOtv Boxing Night 34 Jams Festival was a testament to the resurgent passion for pugilism in Nigeria. The event, a vibrant fusion of sport and entertainment, culminated in the coronation of new national champions and the emergence of a clear standout performer who captured the night’s top prize.
While the undercard delivered explosive action, fan conversations were dominated by the triumphant trio of Tobiloba ‘Smiling Assassin’ Ijomoni, Sadiq ‘Happy Boy’ Adeleke, and Saddam ‘Baby Boxer’ Oladipupo. Their performances weren’t just victories; they were statements of intent on Nigeria’s domestic boxing landscape.
The Crown Jewel: Ijomoni’s Masterclass and Reward
The pinnacle of individual achievement was claimed by lightweight prospect Tobiloba Ijomoni. In a tactical eight-round national lightweight challenge contest, Ijomoni outboxed Segun “Odi” Gbobaniyi to secure a unanimous decision. His performance, a blend of sharp jab work, intelligent movement, and precise counter-punching, exemplified the “boxer” over the “brawler.” This strategic dominance earned him the coveted Mojisola Ogunsanya Best Boxer Trophy and the accompanying ₦1 million cash prize—a reward that not only recognizes talent but provides crucial financial fuel for a fighter’s career progression.
A New King is Crowned: Adeleke’s Measured Ascent
In the night’s headline bout, Sadiq Adeleke authored a career-defining narrative. Facing defending champion Durotimi “Tiny” Agboola in a gruelling 10-round duel for the national title, Adeleke displayed remarkable composure. Rather than seeking a reckless knockout, he applied methodical pressure and established superior ring control, cutting off the ring and landing the cleaner, more effective punches. The judges’ majority decision in his favour was a testament to this mature, calculated approach. This victory, Adeleke’s first national title, signals a fighter transitioning from contender to champion, mastering the psychological and physical demands of championship rounds.
The Rise of “Baby Boxer”: Oladipupo’s Dominant Declaration
Earlier in the evening, Saddam Oladipupo left no doubt about his readiness for the spotlight. In his 10-round championship contest against Imole “System” Oloyede, Oladipupo lived up to his “Baby Boxer” moniker with a veteran’s poise. He dictated the pace from the centre of the ring, controlling distance and unleashing sharp combinations. His unanimous decision victory, winning on all three judges’ scorecards, was a display of comprehensive dominance that announces him as a force in the lightweight division.
Undercard Fireworks and International Flair
The championship bouts were preceded by an undercard that kept the fans on their feet. Emmanuel ‘Ability’ Abimbola scored a significant upset, halting the previously unbeaten Sodiq ‘Smart Lion’ Suleiman in the fourth round of their light welterweight bout—a reminder that records are secondary once the bell rings. Toheeb ‘Full Tank’ Hassan’s fifth-round technical knockout victory showcased relentless pressure. Adding an international dimension, Rasheed ‘ID Buster’ Idowu secured a fourth-round stoppage of Ghana’s Nii Offei Dodoo, highlighting the cross-border rivalries that enrich the African boxing scene.
More Than a Fight Night: The Festival Experience
True to its “Jams Festival” branding, the event was a holistic entertainment experience. The rhythmic beats of live music by Shoday and the comedic interludes from Triclowns provided a dynamic buffer between the high-stakes bouts, ensuring the energy in the arena never dipped. This model, blending sport with popular culture, is crucial for broadening boxing’s appeal to a younger, wider audience.
The event, sponsored by GOtv with support from MultiChoice, Renmoney, ZetaWeb, TheCable, and the Lagos State Sports Commission, demonstrated the vital role of corporate and governmental partnership in reviving and sustaining sporting ecosystems. For the victors like Ijomoni, Adeleke, and Oladipupo, the night was a transformative step. Their shine at GOtv Boxing Night 34 has redefined the hierarchy of Nigerian boxing and set the stage for compelling rivalries and title defences in the year to come.
Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo
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