Nigeria’s Yusuf Adeniji (17-1, 10 KOs) captured the WBA Africa featherweight title (126 lbs) on October 1 in Nigeria, incomes the crown by technical choice after Akimos Anaang Apiah (7-3, 6 KOs) was disqualified for an intentional low blow within the fifth spherical.
From the opening bell, Adeniji displayed higher tactical self-discipline, working behind a gentle jab and transferring neatly to keep away from Apiah’s frontal assaults. The Ghanaian pressed the motion, on the lookout for exchanges, but it surely was Adeniji who landed the cleaner, sharper pictures, particularly at mid-range.
The strain escalated within the fourth spherical when the referee issued Apiah a warning for low blows. Within the fifth, following a missed mixture, Apiah drove a downward hook squarely into the prohibited zone, leaving Adeniji doubled over in apparent ache. After consulting the ringside doctor and reviewing the sequence, the referee known as a halt to the competition, ruling a disqualification and confirming the consequence by way of the scorecards on the time: 50-46, 50-45, 50-45, all in favor of Adeniji.
With the victory, Yusuf Adeniji turns into the continental champion beneath the World Boxing Affiliation banner, notching his seventeenth skilled win and cementing his standing as one among Nigeria’s most promising prospects. Although the ending was controversial, Adeniji’s dominance within the earlier rounds and his composure within the ring validated the triumph.
