Boxing legends and upcoming stars met at the NIS Conference Hall of the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos, on Sunday. They came together for the 2026 Fight Gist Media Boxing Awards. The event celebrated the best performances by fighters, coaches, and boxing figures from Nigeria over the past year.
The awards have grown quickly since they first started. This year, they honored competitors in 14 different categories.
One of the highlights of the night was the Comeback of the Year award. It went to Ike "The President" Ibeabuchi, a well-known name in Nigerian boxing. Taiwo "Esehpo" Agbaje, a crowd favorite, was named Fans’ Favourite of the Year. This award continues his streak of recognition in the sport.
Yusuf "Swaggu" Adisa Adeniji won Male Fighter of the Year, while Adejumola Toyin was named Female Fighter of the Year for her great performances over the qualifying period. In the amateur categories, Abijuwon Faruk and Mayowa Ayomide won Outstanding Amateur Boxer of the Year in the male and female divisions, respectively.
Animasahun "Baddo" Raheem earned the Most Improved Boxer of the Year award. Adeshina "Destiny Boy" Oluwatosin was recognized as the Prospect of the Year. Hassan "Thiago" Tiamiyu won Knockout of the Year for his impressive stoppage. Sunday "Capo Ajagun" Olalekan was honored as Trainer of the Year, while Sodiq "Happy Boy" Adeleke and Durotimi "Tiny" Agboola's match was named Fight of the Year. Basit "Joker Boy" Adebayo took home the Best Ring Walk award.
On social media, Appah "Zodsolo" Godday was named Male Social Media Influencer of the Year. Ojo Joy Nene won the female version of this award.
The night also featured several Awards of Recognition for Coaches. Abimbola Kola, Azeez Kolawole Owonikoko, Ojo Babatunde, Olusegun Ajose, Monsuru Akande, Rasheed Bello, Sunday Olalekan, and Idris Ajanaku all received awards for helping to grow boxing talent in Nigeria.
The Special Awards segment had some touching moments. Hon. Gbenga Opaleye received the Award of Excellence for his leadership and efforts to grow boxing in Oyo State and Nigeria. Mr. Olanrewaju "The Natural" Ekundayo was honored with an Award of Recognition for winning gold medals at the National Sports Festival in 1998 and 2000. This was a remarkable feat that involved him moving up four weight classes in just two years. Mr. Olanrewaju Agiri was recognized for his work in boxing and sports journalism in Nigeria. Samuel "Apataroro" Moses received an Award of Resilience, and Azeez Ismail Adebayor was named Most Dedicated Fan.
The event had support from many sponsors, including God Hand Dog and Poultry Farm Business, Felachamp Promotion, Phase 4 Sportkits, Papa’s Grill, D Star Kits, Firo Entertainment House, De Lads Boxing Promotion, G3 Boxing, Guts and Gloves, Courage Boxing Club, RRG Boxing Club, Midecali, Lebond Management, Jackfits, King of the Ring, and Monarch Events and Promotion.
Drop your comment
No comments yet — be the first to drop the gist 👇