Nigerian-American boxer Emeka Nwokolo has been named the 2024 Universal Boxing Organization (UBO) Boxer of the Year after securing two major titles in the year.
Nwokolo (13 wins, 1 loss, 11 knockouts), based in Los Angeles, achieved the feat by winning the UBO International title and the world super welterweight championship in his only two fights of the year.
The 31-year-old, son of Nigerian boxing legend Charles Nwokolo, began his winning streak in January by defeating Clinton Chavez in five rounds to claim the UBO International title at the Muhammad Ali Centre in Kentucky. Four months later, he dominated Colombia’s Jeovanis Barraza in Manchester, New Hampshire, capturing the UBO world super welterweight title and the WBA North American Boxing Association belt.
Despite being sidelined by a hand injury, Nwokolo remains focused on returning to the ring and showcasing his improved skills.
During a 2024 visit to Nigeria, the boxer donated kits to young athletes in Lagos and expressed plans to fight in Nigeria in 2025. He hopes to stage a match in Lagos or his father’s hometown in Anambra.
