Rising boxing talent, Oluwatosin Kejawa, has won the 2023 Neilson Boxing Fight of The Year award alongside his opponent, Tanzanian Abdul Ubaya, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Kejawa and Ubaya battled at the MECA Regent Circus in Swindon, UK for the World Boxing Council Africa title on November 26, 2023 and it was a fight to remember.
Both fighters landed crucial blows over 10 rounds, with Kejawa suffering a head injury before he snatched a split decision win to claim the WBC Africa light-heavyweight title.
The pivotal win marked Kejawa’s 10th professional bout, extending his immaculate record to 10 victories, with five knockouts to his credit.
The 22-year-old displayed unwavering determination, showcasing remarkable skills against a tough opponent, before securing his maiden professional title in a remarkable first-time opportunity.
“I’m so happy!” Kejawa told PUNCH Sports Extra.
“It was a tough fight, you know? It is not everything that always go according to plan but I just kept working hard and battling against him because I knew I must win this fight.”
In the aftermath of the fight, Kejawa could not go partying with fellow Prosperity Sports Managements signee, Elizabeth Oshoba, who also fought on the card and claimed the IBO title with a unanimous win.
Oshoba, their coaching staff and their manager celebrated the victories at a club in Swindon, while Kejawa was in hospital following the head wound.
“I couldn’t go to the club with the team after the fight that night. I went to the hospital after the fight as I took some shots to the head. I was just at home resting,” he said.
“I’m completely recovered now. There are no complications at all and I have started training for the next target since the holidays are over.”
Winning Fight of The Year completes an impressive 2023 for Kejawa, who claimed three victories — unanimous wins over Serhii Ksendzov and Darryl Sharp in March and October respectively, before the split decision victory over Ubaya in December.
