World Boxing Council (WBC) silver titleholder and Commonwealth Games silver medallist, Elizabeth Oshoba, has opened up about her journey into professional boxing, highlighting the bullying she endured in her early days, the role her family played in discovering her talent, and the personal battles she fought on her path to global recognition. In an exclusive conversation, Oshoba recounted how what began as resistance to the sport later blossomed into a decorated career on the international stage.
The 2022 Commonwealth Games silver medallist revealed that her entry into boxing was prompted by her brother when she was just 12. Initially uninterested, she rejected the idea of fighting professionally, worried that boxing would leave her with facial injuries. However, her father played a pivotal role in redirecting her destiny. Under the guise of a simple errand, he drove her to Smart Boxing Gym, where Coach Smart encouraged her to give it a try. It was at that gym, surrounded by other young girls like herself, that she decided to embrace boxing.
Her decision, however, did not sit well with many boys in her public school, especially those familiar with the gym she trained at. According to Oshoba, some of the boys began bullying her for daring to venture into a sport considered ‘masculine’. The bullying got physical, but the turning point came when she defended herself against a male classmate during one of these altercations. After landing a punch that caused him to bleed, the narrative changed—her peers realised her ability wasn’t a joke, and the taunts ceased.
Reflecting on the most defining moments in her career, Oshoba pointed to winning the WBC silver title and her impressive feat at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. Despite facing setbacks, including a positive COVID-19 test just before the Games which later turned out negative after multiple tests, she went on to clinch the silver medal. She described the experience as unbelievable and credited divine intervention for the result, expressing more joy than even the gold medallist.
Her family, who watched the Games live, were overwhelmed with pride, and the memory remains one of her happiest. Today, she holds on tightly to that silver medal, which she keeps with her in the UK, alongside the national honour she received from former President Muhammadu Buhari. She proudly noted that such accolades are not to be taken for granted.
Now based in the United Kingdom and competing in the professional super-featherweight division, Oshoba has maintained an impressive record—undefeated in all her nine fights, seven in the UK and two in Nigeria. Winning the WBC silver title brought her immense satisfaction, but she remains focused on going even further. Her sights are firmly set on the main WBC belt and the IBO world title, both of which she aims to capture soon.
Despite the glamour of her current success, she remains grounded by memories of her early struggles in Nigeria. She trained under difficult conditions, sparring mostly with male boxers and often improvising equipment and routines. These experiences, she said, strengthened her and helped her adjust to the more structured environment of international boxing.
However, her journey hasn’t been without disappointment. She identified her semi-final loss at the 2019 All-African Games in Morocco—her first major competition representing Nigeria—as the lowest point in her career. She won a bronze medal at the event, but the defeat left a lasting impact.
For aspiring female boxers back home, Oshoba offered heartfelt advice: never give up. She acknowledged the challenges in the sport but stressed that hard work and perseverance would always produce results. According to her, dedication to one’s goals, no matter how long or difficult the journey, is the key to success.
Oshoba’s story, from being bullied in school to becoming a world champion, is a testament to resilience, self-belief, and the unyielding power of determination.
