The Balmoral Convention Centre, VI, Lagos, was the place to be this Boxing Day as Balmoral Group and Game Rush’s Chaos in the Ring Boxing Day Showdown delivered on its promise of intense matchups, massive knockouts, and an atmosphere unlike any other.
From the intense main event, stunning upsets and exciting performances, it was an unforgettable experience. The arena was packed with stars like Seun Kuti, 9ice, Timini Egbuson, Hermes Iyele, Neo Akpofure, Dadaboy Ehiz, WhiteMoney, Small Doctor, and high-profile guests like Dr Bukola Olopade, Dele Momodu and Senator Ben Murray-Bruce. Here’s a breakdown of the biggest moments of the night:
1. Main Event Madness: Taiwo “Esepo” Agbaje vs. Rilwan “Real Show Boy” Lawal
The headline bout of the night was nothing short of explosive, as Taiwo “Esepo” Agbaje took on Rilwan “Real Show Boy” Lawal for the International Boxing Organization (IBO) African Featherweight Title and Unified World Council of Boxing (UWCB) World Featherweight Title. The atmosphere was intense as fans of both Agbaje and Lawal filled the arena, their cheers creating a deafening roar. The stakes could not have been higher with the prestigious international titles on the line for grabs. Both fighters, known for their impressive records—Agbaje with 16 wins (11 KOs) and Lawal with 19 wins (13 KOs)—entered the ring with determination. The bout was intense, with each round escalating in ferocity. In a surprising turn, Agbaje delivered a blow in the seventh round, securing a TKO victory that stunned the audience.
With such intensity between the fighters, Lawal challenged Agbaje for a rematch, promising he would take him down. In agreement with Nigeria’s leading Boxing promoter, Balmoral Group agreed to an Easter Boxing showdown in 2025. The success of Agbaje was honoured with a ₦1 million cheque, acknowledging his remarkable performance.
2. The Grudge Match: Agba Meshach vs. Austine Nnamdi
Touted as one of the night’s most anticipated fights, Agba Meshach and Austine Nnamdi did not disappoint in putting on a stunning performance for the Balmoral Cruiserweight Title Fight. Agba, with an undefeated record of 4 wins (1 KO) and 0 losses, faced Nnamdi, a seasoned fighter with 9 wins (8 KOs) and 4 losses.
Both fighters showcased relentless aggression from the first bell, leaving no room for rest. The intensity peaked in the fourth round when Nnamdi unleashed a series of powerful punches, resulting in a TKO victory. The bout was hailed by many as the most intense match of the event, with Balmoral Group awarding Nnamdi a ₦500,000 cheque for his impressive performance.
3. Women Take the Spotlight: Celina Agwu and Joy Nene Ojo Shine
The women’s matches brought just as much energy and skill to the ring, showcasing the growth of women’s boxing in Nigeria.
• Celina Agwu vs. Bolatito Oluwole: Bolatito Oluwole made one of the grandest entrances of the night, stepping into the ring in full traditional regalia with talking drums echoing through the venue as she made her way into the ring. The crowd loved it – phones were out, videos were rolling, and Bolatito looked every bit the queen she aimed to be.
But Celina Agwu was there to win. The UWCB International Light Heavyweight Title fight rematch was tight, with both women showing incredible skill and determination. Bolatito’s speed and aggression kept fans guessing, but Celina’s slow yet powerful punches slowly turned the tide. By the eighth round, it was over; Celina claimed victory with a stunning TKO in the eighth round, solidifying her place as one of Nigeria’s top fighters in the National Female Light Heavyweight Challenge.
• Joy Nene Ojo vs. Ayowale Odunayo: In a competitive bout, Joy Nene emerged victorious in the UWCB World WIBA International Female Super Bantamweight Title Fight, displaying remarkable stamina and determination. Defeating Odunayo in a 91 – 99, 90 – 100 and 91 – 99 by unanimous decision.
4. Nigeria vs. Benin: Pride on the Line
The heavyweight clash between Nigeria’s Muibi “The Engine” Lekan and Benin’s Anselme Gnansingbe was about national pride. The Nigerian fans came in full force, waving flags and chanting for Lekan. Both fighters came into the ring determined to make their country proud. The fight was a test of endurance, with neither man willing to back down. But in the third round, Lekan unleashed a powerful combination that left Nasigbe unable to continue, resulting in a TKO.
Lekan’s victory was celebrated with cheers from the Nigerian fans, who waved flags and chanted his name as he took the win. Lekan remains undefeated with an unbeaten record of 17 wins, with 16 KOs (massive!).
5. Lightweight Thriller: Oto “Joeboy” Joseph vs. Basit “Jokerboy” Adebayo
This fight was fast, furious, and full of energy. Oto “Joeboy” Joseph, with years of experience under his belt, faced off against the rising star Basit “Jokerboy” Adebayo in the Balmoral National Lightweight Challenge.
The match was tight, and the pace was unbelievable, with both fighters trading blows and refusing to back down. But Oto’s experience made the difference; he kept his composure and earned a victory by scoring 77 – 76 in all three judges’ unanimous decisions. The result appeared to have upset the crowd, as fans of Jokerboy flared up, claiming he deserved to win.
6. Yakubu Faruq vs. Rilwan “Babyface” Babatunde: A Battle of Grit
The night’s opening bout set the stage with intensity, skill and agility. Rilwan Babatunde faced Yakubu Faruq in a contest of endurance and skill.
Babatunde emerged victorious from 12 rounds with 119 – 108 votes by all three judges’ unanimous decision, proving why he is considered one of Nigeria’s rising stars. His ability to adapt and counter Faruq’s strategies was a masterclass in boxing technique.
A Night to Remember
The Balmoral Convention Centre was packed to capacity, yet the organisers ensured a seamless experience with perfect views for every attendee. The vibrant atmosphere, complete with cheering, banter, and celebrations, felt like a fusion of a sports event and a lively festival.
With this level of energy and entertainment, Game Rush’s Chaos in the Ring 2024 raised the bar for boxing events in Nigeria. By the night’s end, one question was on everyone’s lips: “When is the next Chaos in the Ring?”
For those who missed it, the event blended sports, culture, and entertainment into one unforgettable experience. With Balmoral Group and Game Rush at the helm and raising the bar for boxing in Nigeria, fans can eagerly anticipate the Easter 2025 showdown.
Check out @mygamerush on Instagram to see more highlights.
