18 hours Ago By Peter Akinbo
WBF Intercontinental champion Taiwo Agbaje, popularly known as ‘Esepo’, talks about his boxing career, fighting for Nigeria, how he got inspired by Mike Tyson and more in this interview with PETER AKINBO How did you start boxing? I started boxing through my family. My Mum, my Dad, and my siblings all trained together. Most of the inspiration came from watching Mike Tyson’s fights.
I liked the way he fought, I liked his style, and I wanted to be like him. Has your family always been in support? My parents had always supported me, the same as my siblings. Most especially my uncle, he never stopped believing in me.
He always told me that I could do it, that I had the power to become a great boxer. Among other sports, why did you choose boxing? I chose boxing because it is what I love doing and I enjoy it. One thing many people don’t understand is the fact that if you are into something just for the money and not because you enjoy doing it, it won’t last because at a point you will lose interest.
I can never get tired of being a boxer, no matter the situation, because I derive joy in it. Another drive is the fact that I always see myself becoming a world champion. Can you tell us about your experience winning the Governor’s Belt in 2010 and 2011? Winning the Governor’s Belt in 2010 and 2011 was a great experience for me.
It gave me the courage to move on, to keep fighting, and to never give up. Every fight I won shaped me, it made me stronger, and it gave me more confidence. How did it feel to defend your title and win the Governor’s Belt again in 2011? It felt great to defend my title, I remembered vividly how very hard I trained to win the Governor’s Belt.
I watched and did sparring with great fighters to enable me to shape up for every fight. What were your standout memories from the Youth Olympic Games in Mozambique and the Commonwealth Games in India in 2010? My favourite part about these events was the great exposure I got. It inspired me greatly towards a greater goal in my career.
I saw many great fighters, and I learned from them, I think this also helped me a lot in my journey. How did participating in these international competitions influence your career? The exposure it gave me to international fights was great. It made me want to fight more, to win more, and to become a world champion.
How important were your National Sports Festival boxing triumphs in Port Harcourt in 2011 and in Lagos in 2012? Related News Mike Tyson confirms return to ring in 2025 Tyson, Jake Paul earn $60m for fight Tyson rules out retirement as Jake admits fear These victories were very important for my career progression. I took every fight, and every tournament very seriously, like my whole life depended on it. I have always wanted to win, and so I gave my best.
In 2015, you won a bronze medal at the National Sports Festival, did this affect you? I always won Gold, but in this particular competition, I participated as a kickboxer and still won gold. But I was given a bronze medal. I don’t know why but I know I won gold.
What is your happiest memory as a boxer? Of course, winning the World Boxing Federation Intercontinental title in 2022 is my happiest memory. However, my first fight in the United Kingdom in 2013 was one of my greatest inspirations because it boosted my confidence greatly. It made me feel like I could conquer the world.
How did you get the name Esepo? Right from when I was young, I used to win by knockouts and that’s when they started hailing me on the streets as ‘Esepo’. Nobody can stop me, nobody can take my punches and survive. You have claimed the Gotv Boxing Championship twice, and the Mojisola Ogunsanya Memorial trophy four times, what is your secret? I used the same strategy.
I took every fight very seriously. I trained hard, I watched my opponents, and I prepared myself for every fight. I don’t think I can be beaten by anyone in Nigeria.
Winning has always been my goal, and the championships helped me that far, I will never stop because I see myself as a world champion. Winning the Mojisola trophy means a lot to me, it gave me more inspiration and more insights. Each time I won made me feel like I was doing something right.
What had been the key to maintaining your perfect record which now stands at 17 wins? Hard work. I never stopped working hard, self-discipline was my major key. I always trained, I always watched my opponents, and I always prepared myself for every fight.
It doesn’t matter if the opponent is not the biggest, I will still prepare. What are your most memorable fights? The fights against Tope Musa, Waidi Usman, and Richard Pumicic (WBF Intercontinental Featherweight fight) were my most memorable fights. Have you ever felt like quitting boxing? Never.
I love boxing and I think boxing loves me. It has always been a part of me and my family supports me, my fans love me so why would I want to quit? Boxing is not something I find difficult so I have not thought of leaving the sport and when my career is over, I will go into coaching..
