WBF President to Attend Taiwo Agbaje vs. Loren Japhet Title Fight in Port Harcourt
World Boxing Federation (WBF) President, Howard Goldberg, has confirmed his attendance at the highly anticipated featherweight world title fight between Nigeria’s Taiwo Agbaje and Tanzania’s Loren Japhet. The event will take place on December 7 at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
Goldberg, who canceled a prior commitment in Las Vegas to attend the match, expressed enthusiasm for the bout in a video message, highlighting its significance to the WBF. A top referee from Europe has also been appointed to officiate, underscoring the international attention on the fight.
Originally scheduled for the Alfred Diete Spiff Sports Centre, the event was relocated to the larger Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Elekahia due to anticipated crowd size. Promoted by Emmanuel Emenogu of Zeus Sports and Entertainment, the fight night will feature several key matches, including the return of former heavyweight contender Ike ‘The President’ Ibeabuchi, who faces Egypt’s Sammy Abdalla after two decades away from the sport.
Other bouts include Elizabeth Oshoba versus Hargar Mohammed and King Davidson against Ayman Mohammed. Local dignitaries and notable personalities, including King Ateke Tom, have shown their support, with sports stars like Finidi George, Austin ‘Jay-Jay’ Okocha, and Burna Boy expected in attendance. The event is anticipated to bring a positive impact to Rivers State, with former Nigerian goalkeeper Peterside Idah noting the role of sports in unifying the community.