Nigerian-American boxer Emeka Nwokolo has moved up to 12th place in the World Boxing Association’s super welterweight standings, rising three spots from his previous ranking of 15th.
The 32-year-old Los Angeles-based fighter, who currently holds the WBA-NABA title at 154 pounds, is the only Nigerian listed in the governing body’s top 15 for the division.
Competing under the ring name “Lion Heart 7o7,” Nwokolo described the new milestone as both an honour and a reminder of the responsibility he carries.
“Seeing my name at number 12 is a proud moment not just for me but for Nigeria,” he said. “I’m carrying my family’s legacy and representing every young Nigerian who dreams of reaching the world stage.”
The son of Nigerian boxing icon Charles Nwokolo, he credited the rise to years of hard work, sacrifice, and resilience in the face of setbacks. “Every move up the ladder reflects the struggles I’ve endured, both inside and outside the ring. But I’m far from done. My eyes are on the top five and ultimately the world title,” he added.
Nwokolo’s upward shift follows his successful defence of the WBA-NABA belt in July, when he earned a unanimous decision win over Jose Luis Sanchez at Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula, California. The victory marked his eighth straight triumph, boosting his professional record to 17 wins with just one defeat.
That accomplishment came under difficult personal circumstances, as he fought only days after the death of his aunt, Rita Eguogie.
Alongside his WBA-NABA crown, Nwokolo also holds the WBF International, UBO International, American Boxing Federation, and UBO world titles, making him a five-belt holder.
As the sole Nigerian in the WBA’s super welterweight top 15 — a category dominated by fighters from the United States, Puerto Rico, and Mexico — Nwokolo continues to raise the nation’s profile on the global stage.
