The 134th Lagos Boxing Show had amatuer boxing fans on their feet as Shukurat Kareem had the performance of her fledging boxing career to win the 2023 Lagos Governor’s belt.
The 19-year-old hairstylist shocked favourite Joy Ojo to become just the third female boxer to win the premier amatuer boxing event in Nigeria held at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos.
“I am especially grateful for getting this opportunity,” Shukurat said after her fight. “I have been waiting for this opportunity of fighting in this big stage and winning this title has made my year.
“My goal is to represent Nigeria at future tournaments.”
On his part, the Minister of Finance and coordinating, Minister of the economy, Mr Wale Edun, whom, since his time as a Commissioner in Lagos state, has committed his time and resources towards the development of boxing, stressed the importance of the event towards developing boxing as a means of engaging youths in the country.
Speaking at the event, he said that the event since its inception in 2009, has delivered champions like Olaide Fijabi, Otto Joseph, Cynthia Ogunsemilore. All who later won laurels for the country, especially at a time where there were hardly grassroots tournaments where aspiring programs for aspiring boxers to showcase their skills.
He also thanked the former Governor Lagos State, Raji Fashola, for setting the template and sustainability for the for the tournament he has actively supported as Governor in 2009.
