Nigerian boxer Bolatito ‘Black Tito’ Oluwole faced her first career defeat on Saturday night, succumbing to New Zealand’s Lani Daniels in a 10-round contest for the IBF women’s light-heavyweight title at Claudelands Arena, Hamilton.
Daniels, a seasoned fighter and the reigning champion, outclassed Oluwole with a unanimous decision, securing her title once again with judges’ scores reading 100-90, 97-93, and 98-92.
The fight saw Daniels dominate from the opening bell, using her extensive experience to outbox the previously undefeated Oluwole, who came into the bout with an unblemished record of nine victories, including five knockouts.
Despite her intense preparation, Oluwole found herself outmaneuvered by the 36-year-old New Zealander’s tactical precision and superior speed.
Oluwole, who had been eager to capture her first world title, stepped into the ring brimming with confidence and determination.
However, Daniels, who entered the fight with 10 wins, two losses, and two draws, proved why she remains a force to be reckoned with in the division.
Fighting in front of a supportive home crowd, Daniels stayed composed, keeping her Nigerian challenger at bay with her sharp jabs and well-timed counters.
Before the fight, Oluwole had expressed her excitement on social media, stating, “Just hang up; I’m dialled in on September 7.” However, on fight night, it was Daniels who exhibited superior focus, executing her strategy flawlessly.
Oluwole, while showing flashes of her own power and skill, was ultimately unable to keep up with the defending champion’s relentless pace and precise technique.
At just 22 years old, Oluwole’s loss to the two-time IBF world champion will likely be viewed as a crucial learning curve in what has been a promising career thus far.
Known for her resilience, she has built a reputation in Nigeria’s light-heavyweight division as a formidable competitor, and many fans are hopeful that this setback will only fuel her drive for future success.
Daniels, now boasting 11 career wins, continues to solidify her position at the top of the division. With this victory, she not only retained her IBF title but also reinforced her dominance, especially when competing on home soil.
For Oluwole, this defeat marks the end of her perfect record, but her impressive performance against an experienced champion signals that there are brighter days ahead for the young fighter. The boxing world will be watching closely to see how Oluwole bounces back from this challenge.
