Boxing: Nigerian Rashidi Idowu ‘ID Buster’ reclaims WBA title with first-round knockout

Nigerian boxer Rashidi Idowu, popularly known as ID Buster, brought the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos to its feet on Saturday night, defeating fierce rival Benjamin Tetteh of Ghana by unanimous decision in a one-round fight.

The record making fight took less than two minutes to end as the very energetic ID Buster pounced on his Ghanaian opponent and instantly knocked him out in the first round.

The 26 September bout, promoted as “Rumble in Surulere,” saw the Nigerian super-middleweight (now 19-1, 14 KOs) dominate the fight.

“I waited two years for this night,” an emotional Buster said afterward, draped in the green-white-green. “He took my title in his country. Today, I took it back in my country, in front of my people. This belt belongs to Nigeria.”

Tetteh Gracious in Defeat

Tetteh, sporting a swollen left eye, was gracious. “He was the better man tonight,” the Ghanaian said through an interpreter. “The body shots took my legs. I want a third fight — no excuses, but I want it in a neutral venue.”

Promoter Chief Olusegun Adeyemi confirmed there were already discussions about a trilogy bout, possibly in Dubai or London early next year.

Governor, Sports Minister Hail Champion

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who was ringside, described the victory as “a proud moment for Lagos and for Nigerian sport,” while the Minister of Sports announced a cash reward of ₦15 million for the new champion.

Boxing analysts say the win could propel Buster into the WBO world rankings, with talk of a title eliminator against a top-five contender in 2027.

For one electric night in Surulere, Nigerian boxing was back on the map, and Rashidi Idowu, ID Buster, was its undisputed king.

ID Buster had on 30 August, during a pre-match walk and awareness campaign organised for him in his home town of Iwo with the blessing of the Iwo King, Oba Adewale Rashid Akanbi, assured his fans that he would knock out Tetteh.

“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.”