Nigerian-American boxer Emeka Nwokolo has broken new ground in the World Boxing Association (WBA) super welterweight division, climbing three places to 12th in the latest rankings. The 32-year-old Los Angeles-based fighter, known in the ring as “Lion Heart 7o7,” now stands as the only Nigerian ranked in the WBA’s top 15 at 154 pounds.
Nwokolo, who holds the WBA-NABA super welterweight title, described the move as both a personal milestone and a national honour.
“Moving up to number 12 in the WBA rankings is a huge honour for me and for Nigeria,” he said.
“When I see my name on that list as the only Nigerian in the top 15 at 154 pounds, it reminds me of the responsibility I carry. I’m not just fighting for myself; I’m fighting for my country, for my family’s legacy, and for every young Nigerian who dreams of making it on the world stage.”
The son of Nigerian boxing legend Charles Nwokolo, the rising contender said the achievement reflects years of sacrifice and perseverance.
“This ranking didn’t come easy. Every step up that ladder represents blood, sweat, and tears. It represents the camps where everything went wrong, but I still showed up. It represents the losses I’ve endured outside the ring that tried to break me, but couldn’t,” he added.
“Being ranked among the best in the world is special, but I’m not satisfied. Number 12 is great, but I’m coming for the top five, and eventually, that world title. That’s the goal, and I won’t stop until I get there.”
Nwokolo’s latest rise follows a successful defence of his WBA-NABA belt in July, when he outpointed Jose Luis Sanchez via unanimous decision at the Pechanga Resort & Casino in California. The victory—his eighth straight win—improved his professional record to 17 victories with just one defeat, even as he coped with the loss of his aunt, Rita Eguogie, four days before the fight.
Beyond the WBA-NABA strap, Nwokolo is a five-belt champion, also holding the WBF International, UBO International, American Boxing Federation, and UBO world titles. His steady rise keeps Nigeria’s flag flying in a division traditionally dominated by American, Puerto Rican, and Mexican fighters, while edging him closer to a potential shot at a world championship.
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