Nigerian boxing prospect Yusuf Adeniji Adisa marked an impressive start at the WBC Boxing Grand Prix – 1st Boxing World Cup with a determined victory over Mexican fighter Carlos Arteaga Orona in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Sports247 reports.
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The historic tournament, organized by the World Boxing Council (WBC), brings together elite fighters from across the globe in a national team format, introducing a fresh chapter in the sport’s international calendar.
The competition is hosted as part of Saudi Arabia’s expanding investment in global sports events.
Adisa, representing Team Nigeria, showcased grit and technical skill in a tightly contested six-round bout against the experienced Orona.
The judges’ scorecards reflected the close nature of the match as one of the judges scored it 57–55 in favor of Adisa.
The remaining two scored it 56–56, resulting in a majority draw
However, under the WBC’s newly introduced quantitative scoring system—designed to offer a more data-driven assessment of fighters’ performances—Adisa emerged victorious with final tallies of 65, 65, and 75 points.
This victory not only gives Adisa a winning start to his World Cup campaign but also boosts Nigeria’s position in the team standings. It highlights the rising profile of African fighters on the world stage and signals Nigeria’s growing presence in international boxing.
Adisa’s next bout in the tournament is scheduled for June 2025, aligning with the second round of the WBC Boxing Grand Prix, the round of 16.
Each weight class features a 32-man bracket, with fighters progressing through successive elimination rounds.
The tournament employs several innovative rules which include boxers of age 26 or younger.
The WBC Boxing Grand Prix aims to discover and showcase the next generation of boxing superstars, providing a global platform for emerging talents.
Adisa’s performance sets a promising tone for his journey in this prestigious tournament.
