Nigerian-American boxer Emeka Nwokolo has been named the 2024 Universal Boxing Organisation (UBO) Boxer of the Year following his outstanding accomplishments in winning two major titles this year. The Los Angeles-based fighter, who boasts a record of 13 wins, 1 loss, and 11 knockouts, received the accolade after claiming the world super welterweight title and the UBO International title in his only two bouts of the year.
Nwokolo’s impressive run began on January 20, 2024, when he stopped Clinton Chavez in five rounds to claim the UBO International title at the Muhammad Ali Centre in Louisville, Kentucky. Four months later, he dominated Colombian Jeovanis Barraza in Manchester, New Hampshire, winning virtually every round on two judges’ scorecards to capture the UBO world super welterweight crown alongside the WBA North American Boxing Association belt.
Despite being sidelined by a hand injury, Nwokolo remains optimistic about his return to the ring. “What I’m really looking forward to is getting back in the ring. My hand is healing nicely now and I’m just excited to fight. Despite having this injury, I never stopped working, so I want to show my new skills and keep moving up,” he said.
In addition to his achievements in the ring, Nwokolo has also made significant contributions to his community. During a visit to Nigeria in 2024, he donated boxing kits to young pugilists in Lagos and expressed interest in fighting in his homeland in 2025. “I think by next year (2025), by the grace of God, I’ll have a fight coming up in Nigeria. I am going to fight in Lagos or in my hometown, where my dad comes from, in Anambra,” Nwokolo stated during a press briefing at the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control office in Lagos.