Taiwo Agbaje secures the WBA Africa title with a unanimous decision

Taiwo Agbaje has been crowned WBA Africa lightweight champion after defeating Tosin Osaigbovo by unanimous decision in a high-energy bout held in Surulere, Lagos.

The contest delivered on intensity from the opening bell, even though it fell short of Agbaje’s bold pre-fight prediction. The unbeaten fighter had publicly forecast a seventh-round knockout and staked ₦2 million on it, a gamble he ultimately lost as the fight went the full 10-round distance.

Despite missing the knockout, Agbaje controlled large stretches of the fight, matching Osaigbovo punch-for-punch before edging ahead on the judges’ scorecards. At the final bell, all three judges returned a unanimous verdict in his favour, extending his professional record to 19-0.

The packed indoor arena in Surulere provided a charged backdrop, with fans filling seats and aisles as both fighters delivered an entertaining spectacle. Osaigbovo added flair to the encounter, drawing reactions from the crowd with his in-ring antics, including repeatedly sticking out his tongue during exchanges.

While the fight lacked the dramatic finish Agbaje had promised, drawing comparisons to Muhammad Ali’s famous predictions, it still underlined his growing reputation in the lightweight division.

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The bout was promoted by De Lad’s Boxing Promotion and sanctioned by the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control, with stakeholders describing the event as a significant moment for professional boxing in the country.

The WBA Africa title, a regional belt under the World Boxing Association, is seen as a key stepping stone for fighters aiming to break into global rankings, and Agbaje’s victory positions him firmly on that path.