Rising boxer Ayanwale set for UK debut

Ayanwale

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Nigerian female boxing sensation Odunayo Ayanwale is set to make her United Kingdom debut on January 24, 2026, at the York Hall in London.

The 2-1 fighter, who started her professional career in November 2024, will face undefeated British boxer Charlie Brown (5-0) in a six-round, two-minute per round International female light-welterweight Challenge.

Remi Aboderin, Secretary-General of the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control, confirmed to our correspondent on Thursday that the British and Irish Boxing Authority licensed promoter William Storey has invited Ayanwale for the bout at the historic venue on 5 Old Ford Road, London E2 9PJ.

“Contracts have been signed, and we are pleased to see another Nigerian boxer getting international exposure,” Aboderin told our correspondent.

“Odunayo has shown tremendous promise since turning professional last year, and this fight in the UK is a great opportunity for her to test herself against a foreign opponent.”

Dr Rafiu Oladipo, President of the NBBofC, expressed pride in the board’s efforts to secure international opportunities for Nigerian boxers.

“This is exactly what we are working towards at the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control, getting our fighters exposure on the international stage,” Oladipo said.

“Odunayo is a talented young boxer, and we believe she has what it takes to succeed in the UK. We will continue to support our boxers in securing these opportunities abroad.”

Ayanwale, who boasts two knockout victories in her three professional fights, expressed excitement about the challenge ahead.

“I am very happy and grateful for this opportunity to fight in the United Kingdom,” Ayanwale said.

“This has been my dream, to fight internationally and show what Nigerian female boxers can do. I have been training very hard, and I know this is my chance to prove myself on a bigger stage. I want to make Nigeria proud and show that we have world-class female boxers.”

Ademola Adedolapo, Ayanwale’s coach, said the team is looking forward to the fight with earnest preparation.

Olayinka Akeem, Ayanwale’s manager, thanked the NBBofC for their support in facilitating international exposure for Nigerian boxers.

“We are grateful to the Dr Rafiu Oladipo-led Nigerian Boxing Board of Control for the way the board has been steering professional boxing activities in Nigeria and getting our boxers international exposure,” Akeem said.

Brown, who has won all her professional bouts, will be looking to maintain her unbeaten record against the Nigerian challenger.

Peter, who has been covering sports for PUNCH for close to two years, focuses on combat sports reporting, special features and human angle stories

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