By Isa Isawade

The ancient city of Iwo stood still on Saturday as thousands of residents poured into the streets for a stirring awareness walk in support of their boxing champion, Rashidi Idowu, better known to fight fans as “ID Buster.”

What began as a modest procession from the Oluwo’s palace soon swelled into a carnival of solidarity, with chants of “I D Buster!” echoing through the historic streets. The walk wound through Oja Ale before returning to the palace grounds, where boxers of varying cadres displayed their skills in friendly competitions, turning the venue into a pulsating arena of raw talent and unbridled ambition.

A King’s Blessing

Presiding over the spectacle was the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Adewale Rashid Akanbi, who showered cash gifts on ID Buster and expressed his unwavering commitment to boxing as a vehicle for youth empowerment.

“I am happy and ready to support boxing for the benefits of our youths and the growth of Iwo town,” the monarch declared, his words greeted with thunderous applause.

Oluwo’s arrival at the event ID Buster displays skills during awareness walk

‘Bad Energy’ and Bold Promises

For ID Buster, the event was more than just a show of local support—it was a declaration of war.

“Today’s event is just to walk out for my incoming bout—the national title WBA light heavyweight, all Africa,” the 27-year-old fighter declared, sweat still gleaming on his brow from the morning’s activities.

The bout is set for September 26 at Lagos’ National Stadium in Surulere, and Buster’s opponent is no pushover: Ghanaian boxer Benjamin Tetteh, a five-time pro with a formidable record.

But Buster, radiating the kind of confidence that only a knockout artist can possess, was unflinching.

“I’m fighting the Ghana boxer. He has a good record, but you know me—I’m a fucking bad energy. I am ready for everything. I’m ready for war, and I will knock him out,” he said, his voice rising with conviction.

Pressed further, he added: “It’s not the ordinary win—it’s a knockout win. I promise my people from Iwo, I promise you that I will make you proud. On that day, I will beat the guy and carry the belt come home. Insha Allah.”

Boxing Promoter, Alhaji Wahid Alabi, flanked by Coach AbdulWahab Ariyo (left) ID Buster and others ID and one of his coaches train in the ring

A Community’s Unwavering Love

The crowds that lined the streets were proof of a bond between champion and community that runs deep. Buster, clearly moved by the turnout, struggled to contain his emotion.

“I see all my people from Iwo, they see my energy today. They see that I can do it. I was not expecting it. I’m very excited today for what I’m seeing. I really appreciate all of them, through all over the world—Nigeria, Iwo, Lagos, Ibadan,” he said, his gratitude palpable.

He reserved special thanks for De-Lad’s Boxing Promotion and his manager, Alhaji Wahid Alabi, whom he hailed as “the best promoter in Nigeria right now.” A shoutout also went to his coach, Olawale Owonikoko of Kola Alagbado, Lagos.

To the Oluwo, ID Buster said with a smile: “And to my father—he loves sports because of me. He supports me in any way, and I’m always happy for that. God will reward you, Baba.”

Voices of the Boxing Establishment

The event also drew key figures in Nigeria’s boxing scene, who echoed the wave of optimism.

Coach Aliu Adewale, known as Coach West and head coach of Osun State’s boxing team, was visibly ecstatic.

“In fact, I am so happy more than before. I can say this is the first time in my life. I am seeing so many things that make me happy. I am expecting winning—winning is yours in Osun State and Iwo,” he declared, pointing to the young boxers who had performed earlier. “We have so many talents in Iwo in boxing. What happened today has boosted most of our boxers.”

Alhaji Saidu, chairman of the boxing association, underscored the historic rivalry at play.

“Our expectation is that we are waiting for Ghana to come here. Nigeria versus Ghana inshallah. We are sure ID will make us happy,” he said, beaming with pride as young fighters showcased their skills. “From the history, even in our state here, you can see who is who in boxing. These small-small guys that we are building now, in the future, we know we will get another pro among them. Inshallah.”

ID and Coach Owonikoko train in the ring Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Akanbi in the ring with ID Buster during the event ID and team of coaches and boxers present his trophy to Oluwo The sports loving king displays the trophy Osun State Coaches with Young Star Boxers Coach Olawale Owonikoko (middle) flanked by the Young Star Boxers and their coach, AbdulWahab Ariyo.

The Call to the Nation

As the festivities wound down, Buster turned to the cameras with a plea that reached far beyond Iwo’s ancient walls.

“All my people from Iwo, from Ibadan, from Lagos, I will be expecting you. I know that you guys will come. Please show me love. I want to see you behind me inside ring, make I hear ‘ID Buster! ID Buster!’

“On 26th September, at the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos, I want to see you there. Thank you so much. I will be expecting you. ID Buster! ID Buster!!”

ID Buster was two years ago crowned “APRIL 2024 UNIVERSAL BOXING ORGANIZATION (UBO) BOXER OF THE MONTH” following his Knockout victory over Ghanaian Samir Bastie in Ghana to capture the Vacant UBO light-heavyweight title.
A press release from UBO, announcing the victory, read: “Going into his opponents back-yard to win by spectacular knockout and win the Universal Boxing Organization (UBO) Africa Light Heavyweight title, makes Nigerian Idowu Rasheed the April 2024 UBO Boxer of the Month.

“A heavy underdog, Rasheed blitzed experienced Ghanaian Bastie Samir (20-1-1) in the second round, on April 13 at the Decathlon Ghana in Accra, scoring one knock-down with a left hook before finishing Samir with a second left hook shortly after.

“Now 6-1-1 (6), the hard-punching 25-year-old turned professional in August of 2021. The fight in Accra was his first outside Nigeria as a pro, and his first championship fight. Its safe to say, he didn’t let the opportunity go to waste.

“Unfortunately the fight was surrounded by controversy when it was at first declared a Technical Draw due to a wrongly-called illegal punch, but the result was quickly overturned and Rasheed officially declared the rightful winner and UBO champion.

“Very fittingly, he will be presented with the UBO championship belt today, May 1, at a press-conference at the offices of the Nigerian Boxing Board of Control in Lagos.”

The crowd erupted one final time. The war cry had been sounded. The countdown to September 26 had begun. September 26. National Stadium, Surulere. ID Buster versus Benjamin Tetteh. Nigeria versus Ghana. A fight and a town’s dream waiting to be settled.