January 20, 2024
By Robyn White
History was made!! The FIRST EVER professional boxing event held at the Muhammad Ali Center crowned two new Universal Boxing Organization™ (UBO) champions Saturday night, January 20, 2024. Emeka Nwokolo and Samantha Worthington triumphed over their opponents in excellent bouts promoted by Lee Kiper and Dreams Realized Promotions.
Nwokolo, hailing from Nigeria but repping Los Angeles, became the UBO International Super Welterweight champion conquering Albuquerque´s Clinton Chavez by a fifth round stoppage. In round five, Nwokolo landed a devastating body-shot sending irreparable damage to Chavez. Referee Marvin Whittamore called the fight at 0:45.
Nwokolo’s professional record ascends to 12-1 (11), and Chavez descends to 7-2 (4). Samantha Worthington won the vacant UBO World Super Lightweight title against former four-time world champion Yazmin Rivas from Mexico. Hailing from Lexington, Worthington was the local favorite, yet Rivas had more experience and achievements than most boxers, presuming to be an uphill climb to victory for Sammy “The Heat” Worthington.
“The Heat” was in extraordinary shape and counter-punched effectively from start to finish, out-landing Rivas in almost every round to win a unanimous decision. Worthington is now UBO world champion with a record of 8-0 (6). Rivas is now 40-12-1 (11).
See Photo Gallery below. Photo Credit: Roscelle Griffin
Roscelle Griffin, a talented photographer from Johnson City, Tennessee, excelled as a women’s basketball player at the University of Louisville. Her passion for photography, ignited by her grandmother’s gift of a Polaroid camera, now drives her to capture moments that transport viewers into a world of boldness and excitement. Roscelle’s media company, 502 Media Now, specializes in sports videography and photography, showcasing the dynamic world of sports while also excelling in real estate, headshots, weddings, and events.
