Nwokolo targets title defence after ring return

Nigerian-American boxer Emeka Nwokolo has set his sights on defending his WBA-NABA super welterweight title following a decisive stoppage victory over British boxer Darren Hamilton. Nwokolo returned to the ring after a year-long injury layoff, securing a technical knockout win in the third round on June 26 in Detroit, Michigan.

Fighting under the moniker "Lion Heart 7o7," Nwokolo shook off ring rust in his first bout since July 2025. After an evenly matched first round, Nwokolo intensified his attack in the second, causing Hamilton's eye to swell. He wasted no time in the third round, knocking Hamilton down twice, with the British boxer unable to beat the referee's count on the second occasion. The fight concluded at 53 seconds into the third round.

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I recently returned from an injury, and I am glad I feel sharp again. I know I will be able to get a bigger juicy fight next and face a title defence or a title holder.

This victory improved Nwokolo's professional record to 17 wins, with 14 knockouts, and just one loss. Hamilton's record now stands at 16 wins and 6 losses. "I recently returned from an injury, and I am glad I feel sharp again. I know I will be able to get a bigger juicy fight next and face a title defence or a title holder," Nwokolo stated after the bout.

The 33-year-old boxer expressed his immediate priority is to defend his belt, but lamented the reluctance of potential challengers to face him. "My opponents are running from me and I have not gotten any challengers, but I remain in wait for them," he said. Nwokolo's last fight in July 2025 saw him retain his title via unanimous decision against Jose Luis Sanchez. He holds multiple titles, including the WBF International, UBO International, American Boxing Federation, and UBO world titles, making him a five-belt champion.

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The next thing I would love to do is defend my belt, defend my title in the ring. My opponents are running from me and I have not gotten any challengers, but I remain in wait for them.