Nigerian boxer Bolatito “Black Tito” Oluwole suffered the first loss of her professional career after falling to New Zealand’s Lani Daniels via unanimous decision in their IBF women’s light-heavyweight title fight at Claudelands Arena, Hamilton, on Saturday night.
Daniels retained her IBF title with a dominant display, as the judges scored the fight 100-90, 97-93, and 98-92 in her favour after 10 hard-fought rounds.
It was a strong showing from the defending champion, who used her experience to outbox the previously undefeated Nigerian.
Oluwole, who entered the ring with a perfect record of nine wins, including five knockouts, had trained intensively for the fight, hoping to secure her first world title.
The Nigerian boxer, however, found herself outmatched by the more seasoned Daniels’, who now boasts 11 career wins. Despite her valiant effort, Oluwole struggled to keep up with Daniel’s speed and tactical prowess.
Daniels came into the fight with a record of 10 wins, two losses, and two draws. Fighting on home soil, she had the support of the local crowd and was confident in her ability to retain the belt.
Prior to the fight, Oluwole had expressed her readiness and optimism, stating on social media, “Just hang up; I’m dialled in on September 7.”
It was Daniels who showed the sharper focus on the night, keeping Oluwole at bay with precise jabs and well-timed counters.
For Oluwole, this marks a significant moment in her career. The loss to Daniels may be her first setback, but the Nigerian fighter, at just 22 years old, still has a bright future ahead in the boxing world.
Fans will be eager to see how she bounces back from this defeat, especially after proving her resilience in the early stages of her career.
Daniels, 36, continues her reign, cementing her position at the top of the division. With this successful title defence, she remains a formidable force, especially on her home turf in New Zealand.
Despite the loss, Oluwole’s performance against a two-time IBF world champion should be seen as a valuable learning experience in her young career. The Nigerian national champion had been making waves in the light-heavyweight division, and this setback may serve as motivation for future challenges.
Punch
