Nigerian boxer Rashidi Idowu, popularly known as ID Buster, has reclaimed the WBA title with a thrilling first-round knockout victory over Ghanaian boxer Benjamin Tetteh. The highly anticipated bout, promoted as "Rumble in Surulere," took place on September 26 at the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos. ID Buster, a super-middleweight with a record of 19-1 and 14 KOs, dominated the fight from the start, knocking out Tetteh in under two minutes.
The electric atmosphere at the National Stadium was palpable as ID Buster, draped in the green-white-green, expressed his emotions after the victory. He stated that he had waited two years for this moment, reclaiming the title in front of his home crowd. ID Buster emphasized that the belt belongs to Nigeria, showcasing his pride and dedication to his country. His victory has generated significant buzz in the boxing world, with analysts speculating about potential future matches.
Tetteh, sporting a swollen left eye, graciously accepted the defeat, acknowledging that ID Buster was the better man that night. The Ghanaian boxer attributed his loss to the effective body shots that compromised his legs. Tetteh expressed his desire for a third fight, suggesting a neutral venue for the potential trilogy bout. Promoter Chief Olusegun Adeyemi confirmed that discussions for a rematch are already underway, with possible locations including Dubai or London early next year.
ID Buster's victory was met with widespread acclaim, including from Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who described the win as "a proud moment for Lagos and for Nigerian sport." The Minister of Sports announced a cash reward of ₦15 million for the new champion, further solidifying ID Buster's status as a national hero. The win is expected to propel ID Buster into the WBO world rankings, with potential talks of a title eliminator against a top-five contender in 2027.
In the lead-up to the fight, ID Buster had confidently assured his fans that he would knock out Tetteh. During a pre-match walk and awareness campaign in his hometown of Iwo on August 30, ID Buster expressed his readiness for the fight, stating that he was prepared for "war" and would make his people proud with a knockout victory. The Iwo King, Oba Adewale Rashid Akanbi, blessed the event, showcasing the community's support for their local hero.
The "Rumble in Surulere" event marked a significant moment for Nigerian boxing, which has seen a resurgence in popularity with ID Buster's rise to fame. The event drew a large crowd, with fans and analysts alike eagerly anticipating the bout. ID Buster's victory has brought attention to the sport in Nigeria, potentially paving the way for future generations of boxers.
As ID Buster basks in the glory of his title reclaim, the boxing world eagerly awaits his next move. With potential talks of a trilogy bout against Tetteh and a possible title eliminator in 2027, ID Buster's career is set to continue its upward trajectory. For now, he remains the undisputed king of Nigerian boxing, celebrated by fans and officials alike for his impressive victory.
Key points
- ID Buster reclaimed the WBA title with a first-round knockout victory over Benjamin Tetteh.
- The victory has propelled ID Buster into the WBO world rankings, with potential talks of a title eliminator in 2027.
- ID Buster's win was celebrated by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Minister of Sports, who announced a ₦15 million cash reward.
