WBF President to Attend Agbaje -Japhet Title Fight
World Boxing Federation (WBF) President Howard Goldberg has confirmed he will attend the WBF featherweight world title fight between Nigeria’s Taiwo Agbaje and Tanzania’s Loren Japhet on December 7 at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Port Harcourt. Goldberg, who canceled a planned trip to Las Vegas to be at the event, expressed his excitement in a video message, emphasizing the significance of the fight.
The South African boxing chief also arranged for a top WBF referee from Europe to officiate the contest, highlighting the importance of the event, which is dubbed the ‘Simplified Rumble in Rivers for Champions.’ Goldberg, who has visited Nigeria several times but never Rivers State, said he looks forward to meeting everyone and enjoying a thrilling world title bout.
Promoter Emmanuel Emenogu of Zeus Sports and Entertainment announced a venue change from the Alfred Diete Spiff Sports Centre to the larger Yakubu Gowon Stadium to accommodate the expected crowd.
The main event features undefeated Nigerian prospect Agbaje (16-0, 11KOs) against the experienced Japhet (18-7-3, 4KOs) in a 12-round contest for the vacant WBF featherweight world title. The card also marks the return of former world heavyweight title contender Ike ‘The President’ Ibeabuchi, who faces Egypt’s Sammy Abdalla after serving 20 years in a U.S. prison.
Additional bouts include former WBC Super Featherweight Silver Champion Elizabeth Oshoba against Egypt’s Hargar Mohammed, and ex-WBO International light middleweight champion King Davidson against Egyptian Ayman Mohammed.
The event has garnered strong local support, with the Amanyanagbo of Okochiri kingdom, King Ateke Tom, taking on the role of patron. Several notable figures, including football legends Finidi George and Austin ‘Jay-Jay’ Okocha, as well as entertainers Flavour and Burna Boy, are expected to attend.
Former Nigeria goalkeeper Peterside Idah highlighted the positive impact of such events, pointing out how sports can bring peace to the region, contrasting the usual political tensions associated with Rivers State.
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