Nigerian boxers Sikiru “Omo Iya Eleja” Shogbesan and Mary Aina Abbey are set to make their mark on the international stage with high-profile fights scheduled for October 19. Shogbesan (17-3-1, 9 KOs) will face off against Belgium’s Francesco Patera (29-5-0, 11 KOs) in a lightweight clash at Hall Omnisport De La Prealle, Liege, Belgium. This fight marks Shogbesan’s international debut, following his recent draw in a super featherweight contest against Azeez Lateef at the Total Destruction event held in Lagos.

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Meanwhile, in Sheffield, UK, Nigerian police officer and WBF International Super-Flyweight champion, Mary Aina Abbey (12-1-0, 10 KOs), will compete for the Commonwealth flyweight title. She is set to challenge Britain’s Nicola Hopewell (5-1-0, 1 KO) at Skate Central, in what will be Hopewell’s first title defense.

Abbey is coming off a tough majority decision loss to French fighter Jeyssa Marcel in Nantes, but remains determined in her pursuit of a world title. “I feel cheated by the result, but I will never stop until I become a world champion,” Abbey said, showing her resolve. With 10 of her 12 wins coming by knockout, she knows she must bring her full strength against Hopewell to secure victory.