Muibi waits for new fight date after Appah's injury

Lekan “The Engine” Muibi is waiting for a new date to fight Godday Appah. This was supposed to be a big match on July 31 in Lagos, live on DAZN. However, Appah has pulled out because of an injury he got while training.

Muibi, who has a record of 20 wins with 19 knockouts, was set to challenge Appah for the WBO Africa cruiserweight title. Appah holds this title after beating Ezra Arenyeka by majority decision in May. Now, the fight is off due to Appah's injury.

In a statement from his team, Quadriga Sports Management, Muibi wished Appah a fast recovery. He is still eager to fight once a new date is set. “We have been recently informed that the scheduled fight between our client and Godday Appah for his WBO Africa cruiserweight title on July 31st, 2026, in Lagos, on the bill of Balmoral Promotions, has been called off following an alleged injury sustained by Appah in training. We understand that injuries are a part of this sport, and we wish him a speedy and full recovery,” the statement said.

Muibi's team hopes Appah will accept their challenge when he is back. They said, “We hope that upon his return, he will not shy away from the open challenge we issued him and will remain committed to making the fight happen at the earliest possible date.”

The management also thanked Balmoral Promotions and Dr Ezekiel Adamu for their help in arranging the fight. They mentioned that this postponement is just a delay, not a cancellation. “To Dr Ezekiel Adamu and Balmoral Promotions, we thank you for all your efforts to put together a fight the whole of Nigeria wants to see. We have equally committed considerable resources in preparing for the fight in the best possible way. However, we recognise that this is simply a slight delay caused by force majeure. Quadriga Sports Management will ensure that Lekan ‘The Engine’ Muibi is primed and ready to go once a new date is announced,” the statement added.

Muibi's camp told fans that he is still in great shape and ready to fight anyone as soon as a new date is confirmed. “To fans of Lekan Muibi and boxing fans in general, you can rest assured that ‘The Engine’ is firing on all cylinders and more than capable of meeting any opposition whenever and wherever. We can guarantee you will see him in action at the earliest possible opportunity,” the statement said.

This fight was supposed to be the main event on a big card for Balmoral Promotions in Lagos. The card also included a rematch between street artist Habeeb “Portable” Badmus and celebrity boxing rival Charles Okocha. During their first meeting, Portable won by unanimous decision.

Before this now-postponed fight, Appah and Muibi had a heated exchange at a press conference in Ikeja, Lagos. Security had to step in as both fighters were trading threats. Fans were looking forward to what was expected to be one of the most exciting bouts on the card.