NIGERIA'S Larry Ekundayo won the African Boxing Union welterweight title yesterday defeating Ghana's Joseph Lamptey by a unanimous decision after a 12-round bout yesterday at London's Troxy Arena.

Now a firm favourite to a world ranking with the World Boxing Confederation (WBC), Ekundayo has won all of his last 11 fights. Best known for winning Sky Sports' Prizefighter title three years ago, Ekundayo coasted to victory yesterday roared on by passionate fans made up of Britons and Nigerians alike.

Given his recent form, Ekundayo had been the firm favourite to win the fight and he did not disappoint his legion of fans that cheered and chanted his name throughout the 12-round bout. Supported by several Nigerian community leaders in the UK, he now has his eyes set on the Commonwealth and world titles.

Ekundayo said: "Every fighter wants to reach world level and now the opportunity is here, I have to take it. Friday Lamptey is very tough and rugged and was no push over."

Among the dignitaries who were there to offer him moral support were Chief Bimbo Folayan, the former chairman of the Central Association of Nigerians in the UK, African Voice publisher Mike Abiola, top MC Charles Khiran and Otunba Femi Adenuga. A graduate of Lagos State University, Larry is now expected to fight for the British welterweight title.

In the run-up to yesterday's fight, the two boxers had been involved in an altercation during the weigh-in when Lamptey snatched the Nigerian fight and threw it on the ground. After the bout, however, they laughed it off with the Ghanaian waving the Nigerian flag to the adoring fans.