GOtv Boxing Night 15: I am set to crush Fijabi, says Ariyo

Kazeem “Iberu’’ Ariyo on Tuesday said that he was determined to retaliate his loss to Olaide “Fijaborn’’ Fijabi as they clash at the Gotv Boxing Night 15 in Ibadan.

Ariyo told our correspondent in Lagos that he would not allow Fijabi to get the upper hand when they meet on July 29 at the Awolowo Stadium, Ibadan – Oyo.

“I admit I made a lot of mistakes when we fought the first time in Ibadan, and sincerely, with this opportunity again also in Ibadan, I just have to crush Fijabi.

“I know he is a tough opponent but I want to assure my fans in Lagos and Ibadan to expect nothing but a fine performance from as I destroy Fijabi,’’ the pugilist said.

Similarly, Fijabi said his training ahead of the clash had been going on well and that he was looking forward to deal with Ariyo for the second time.

“I was surprised when he signed to meet me again, I thought I cleared his doubts the first time we met, and for me, it’s going to be another sweet victory.

“I will be punching him to a stand-still in front of my home fans and it will be something special for me, I can’t lose in Ibadan, it’s not just possible.

“I dominated my division during my years in the amateur levels and won several gold medals during National Sports Festivals; who is Ariyo to contend with me?’’ Fijabi asked.

The two fighters will clash in the national lightweight category, their first fight ended in Fijabis’ favour by way of a unanimous decision after eight rounds of action-packed fight.

Fijabi also won for himself the best boxer award of N1 million and the Mojisola Ogunsanya trophy of the night following a brilliant performance against Ariyo.

Another crunchy fight to take centre stage will be between Segun “Show boy’’ Olalehin and Vincent Dada in a lightweight contest which promises to be explosive.

Olalehin told our correspondent that his major objective was to make his mark in the boxing show and that it would be a dream come true finally getting an opportunity to showcase his boxing qualities.

“I’m so happy to finally get the chance to fight on the GOtv Boxing Night, it is going to be explosive and I am confident to give Dada a fight of his life.

“I train hard for this every day and will not allow any distraction as I prepare to do what I love doing best,’’ Olalehin said.

His opponent, Dada, another rookie of the GOtv Boxing show said he was happy to finally get a fight and was looking forward to the big night with which he promised to launch himself.

“It is going to be a big fight, I am well prepared mentally to deal with Olalehin, I am confident of this because I know I have been hungry for this opportunity,’’ Dada said.

Five other fights will hold at the stadium on July 29, as the best boxer of the night will go home with N1 million and the Mojisola Ogunsanya Best boxer of the night.

Oto “Boy’’ Joseph, Nigeria’s African Boxing Union Lightweight champion will defend his title against Ghana’s Nathaniel Nukpe.

Home boy Akeem “Sadiku’’ Dodo has a pound for pound date with Franc Houanvoegbe of Benin Republic in their international Light Middleweight African Boxing Union title clash.

The boxing night will be telecast to 47 African countries and 56 cities in Nigeria through the Gotv Satellite networks.