SPORT

16-Year-Old Raheem ‘Badoo’ Animashaun Shines at GOtv Boxing Night 31, Claims Best Boxer Title

Written by Jerry Alomatu on May 4, 2024

News Views: 125

Sixteen-year-old Raheem ‘Badoo’ Animashaun stole the show with an electrifying performance, emerging as the standout boxer at GOtv Boxing Night 31 held on Wednesday at the Indoor Sports Hall of the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos.

In a national light welterweight challenge bout, Animashaun delivered a fourth-round technical knockout victory over the more experienced Samuel ‘Apata Roro’ Moses, clinching both the prestigious Mojisola Ogunsanya Memorial Trophy and the accompanying cash prize of N1 million.

The teenage sensation displayed remarkable agility, employing a blend of feints, swift movements, and rapid-fire punches to dominate his opponent right from the opening bell.

Despite facing a formidable adversary, Animashaun showcased his skillset by sending Moses to the canvas twice before ultimately sealing the victory in the fourth round. His triumph was met with thunderous applause upon being announced as the best boxer of the night.

Notably, Animashaun is the son of Jamiu ‘Rotor’ Animashaun, a former professional boxer who previously competed in the inaugural editions of GOtv Boxing Night.

Additionally, the event featured other notable matchups, including Segun ‘War’ Adeyemi’s triumph over Adeyemi ‘Spirit’ Adekanla to claim the West African Boxing Union light welterweight title. Adewale ‘Playboy’ Oladeji secured a unanimous decision victory against Afikun ‘Ijebu’ Gbenga in their super welterweight clash.

However, the national flyweight challenge bout between Sikiru ‘Isho’ Ogunyaju and current national flyweight champion Sifon Ogunbumi ‘Best’ Iwatt ended in a draw.

The national light welterweight challenge fight between Hammed ‘Eshe’ Ganiyu and Yusuf ‘Hungry Lion’ was deemed a no-contest following Ganiyu’s injury sustained from a head-butt by his opponent in the second round.

In another matchup, Emmanuel ‘Ability’ Abimbola secured a split decision victory over Azeez ‘Latest’ Ayobami in a national lightweight challenge fight, while Sikiru ‘Omo Iya Eleja’ Shogbesan emerged victorious over Batholomew ‘Aboy’ Abuchi in the national super featherweight challenge, winning via technical knockout.