Scorpion Apologizes for Missing Battle of the Ages, Rules Out Future Bout With Sojar Boy

Ridwan ‘Scorpion’ Oyekola has apologized to his fans for missing his highly anticipated rematch with Tosin ‘Sojar Boy’ Osaigbovo at the 14th edition of the Battle of the Ages boxing series in Lagos, while announcing that he will no longer fight Osaigbovo following what he described as abusive comments directed at him and his family.

The rematch for the WBA Africa Lightweight Gold Title was scheduled for Saturday, September 26, at the Gymnasium Hall of the National Institute For Sports (NIS), National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

However, Oyekola was unable to return to Nigeria from Mexico in time for the bout because of an immigration-related issue.

His absence disappointed a large number of supporters who had travelled from Ibadan to Lagos to watch the boxer compete in the much-anticipated rematch.

In a video message released after the event, Oyekola appealed to his fans not to blame him for the cancellation, saying both the promoter and his team had made efforts to ensure that the fight went ahead.

“I have to specially thank and apologise to De Lad Boxing Promotions for their good gesture towards me. They supported with everything expected of a promoter. In fact, I have never seen a promoter in the whole of Africa that did what Alhaji Wasiu Alabi, the CEO of De Lad Boxing Promotions, did to support a boxer,” Oyekola said.

He added: “I’m indeed eternally grateful to you sir for this compassionate gesture towards me, and I’m pledging that very soon I will be home to fight on your card because the obstacles have been cleared.”

With Oyekola unavailable, the organisers moved quickly to preserve the scheduled attraction by drafting in Lateef “Captain” Azeez to face Sojar Boy.

The replacement bout produced an entertaining eight-round contest, with both fighters engaging in an action-packed encounter that ended in a draw.

However, Oyekola’s reaction to comments allegedly made by Sojar Boy after the bout has now cast doubt over any possibility of another meeting between the two fighters.

Oyekola accused Osaigbovo of making derogatory remarks about him and his family while speaking after the fight.

“I’m totally disappointed in you Sojar Boy for your effrontery to abuse me and my family on the boxing ring while speaking after the fight against Lateef Azeez,” Oyekola said.

“I deserve some respect from you even though we’re both Nigerian boxers. I will not engage in any bout with you any longer no matter the amount placed on it.”

Promoter Apologizes to fans

De Lad Boxing Promotions also expressed regret to fans who attended the event expecting to see the Oyekola-Osaigbovo rematch.

According to the promoter, Alhaji Alabi Waheed, Oyekola had informed the management that he was experiencing problems with his residency documents in Mexico.

“Scorpion complained about issues with his residency documents in Mexico, and I sent him some money to get everything sorted out. I never knew the issue had not been resolved, and it is beyond the management’s control,” Alabi said.

He added that the organisers decided to replace Oyekola rather than leave the scheduled bout vacant, in an effort to ensure that spectators still received value for their money.

“However, we must satisfy our fans and make sure they enjoy the money they have paid. That was why we brought in an equally very good boxer that belongs to that class, Lateef Azeez, to replace Scorpion in the bout,” he said.

Omole, Idowu led action-packed night as the 14th edition of the Battle of the Ages also produced several notable performances across the card.

Omole Dolapo got the job done in the first round of the opening bout of the night. Following his impressive victory, he immediately called out the leading boxers in the featherweight and super-featherweight divisions.

Idowu Rasheed also produced a first-round knockout victory over Folivi Mawuli to become the new WBA Africa Light-Heavyweight Champion.

In the super-welterweight division, Riliwan “Babyface” Babatunde and Michael “Hit Man” Ani went the distance in an eight-round clash, with both fighters battling through all eight rounds.

Azeez Bakare secured a unanimous-decision victory over Seun “Ugly Wolf” Arowolo to become the new National Champion.

Another eight-round super-welterweight contest between Abdulafeez Osoba and Abdulahi Saheed ended in a draw after both fighters completed the scheduled distance.

In the lightweight division, Ahmed “Small Tyson” Lawal defeated Sodiq “Golden Bou” Oyakojo by unanimous decision after eight rounds.

Despite the absence of the headline rematch, the 14th edition of the Battle of the Ages delivered a full night of competitive boxing, with several fighters recording significant victories and title achievements.