Nigerian-American boxer Emeka Nwokolo has been awarded the title of 2024 Universal Boxing Organization (UBO) Boxer of the Year, Afrosport reports.
This accolade follows his impressive performance in the ring, where he secured two major titles during the year.
With a professional record of 13 wins and one loss, including 11 knockouts, Nwokolo, based in Los Angeles, earned this prestigious recognition after winning both the UBO International title and the World Super Welterweight Championship in his only two bouts of 2024.
The 31-year-old son of Nigerian boxing legend Charles Nwokolo, began his successful run by defeating Clinton Chavez in five rounds to earn the UBO International title on January 20, 2024, at the Muhammad Ali Centre in Louisville, Kentucky.
He then showcased his skills in a dominant fight against Colombian boxer Jeovanis Barraza, winning nearly every round to claim the UBO world super welterweight title as well as the WBA North American Boxing Association belt.
In response to the award, Nwokolo shared: “I woke up this morning to see this acknowledgement of my hard work in 2024 and it made me feel really good. It gives me confidence and makes me want to work even harder because this is only the beginning.”
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Although he is currently dealing with a hand injury, he remains hopeful about returning to the ring soon, eager to demonstrate his new skills and continue progressing in his career.
“I’m really looking forward to getting back in the ring. My hand is healing well, and I’m just excited to fight. Even with the injury, I never stopped working, so I’m eager to show my new skills and continue moving up,” he added.
Looking forward, Nwokolo has expressed his desire to fight in his home country in 2025.
“By next year, God willing, I hope to have a fight in Nigeria. I’m aiming to fight in Lagos or in my father’s hometown in Anambra.”
