Elizabeth Oshoba, the 2022 Commonwealth Games silver medalist, and Oluwatosin Kejawa are brimming with confidence ahead of their maiden title bouts set to take place at MECA, Regent Circus in Swindon, United Kingdom, scheduled for Saturday (today), PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Oshoba, holding an impeccable record of 5 wins, including 3 knockouts, is set to clash with Italy’s Martina Righi (5-1-0-2KOs) for the vacant International Boxing Organization female super-featherweight title. Meanwhile, Kejawa (9-0-0-5KOs) is primed for a battle for the vacant WBC Africa light-heavyweight title against Tanzanian Abdul Ubaya (6-2-0-3KOs).
Originally slated to face undefeated British boxer Amy Andrew (4-0-0-0KOs) for the vacant Commonwealth women’s featherweight title, Oshoba faced a change in opponent as Andrew withdrew due to an injury sustained in training camp.
The Nigerian-born Oshoba, fresh from her victory over Italian Nadia Flalhi (6-3-1-1KOs) in a six-round featherweight bout on September 30, is stepping into her first professional title fight merely a year after transitioning from the amateur ranks. Her exceptional performance at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham marked her entry into the professional circuit.
In March, Oshoba defeated Kirsty Hill 58-56 to qualify for the final round of the eliminator bout which will make this her third fight in 10 months. She is, however, not concerned by the schedule of her fights.
“I am not worried that it is so close to my last fight. Yes, I fought last month and some may think the fight is too soon but I am happy to get this chance and I believe I will win,” she told PUNCH Sports Extra in October.
Speaking ahead of the bout on Friday, Oshoba revealed that she feels well prepared for the fight against the Italian and is already hopeful of more success in the future.
“I am 100 per cent ready, I feel fully prepared for this fight. I have been in camp putting in the work and now the fight is finally here. I believe I am winning tomorrow, I trust the process.
“My plan after this is to get all the titles in my weight and to be the next world champion,” she told PUNCH Sports Extra.
Kejawa also echoed a similar sentiment of assurance and dedication to victory. “The training preparation was so good that I have the confidence I am winning,” he said.
The 22-year-old recognises the significance of the fight as a substantial career milestone
“This fight is a big step up for me which I really need to win. I have put in the hard work and I know that I can claim this title,” he told PUNCH Sports Extra.
As the fighters gear up for these pivotal clashes, the atmosphere is charged with anticipation, heralding what promises to be a thrilling night of boxing where Oshoba and Kejawa aim to mark their ascent in the realm of professional boxing.
