Oshoba steps up London fight preparations with Small Doctor appearance ahead of Arnell clash

Unbeaten Nigerian boxer Elizabeth Oshoba has intensified preparations for her upcoming featherweight bout after being spotted training alongside Nigerian music star Small Doctor in the United Kingdom, Sport360NG reports. 

The 26-year-old is gearing up for a six-round contest against Chelsey Arnell scheduled for April 5 at Olympia London. The fight forms part of a high-profile card headlined by the world lightweight title unification bout between Caroline Dubois and Terri Harper.

Oshoba has been preparing in camp alongside fellow Nigerian fighter Oluwatosin Kejawa, as she looks to maintain her unbeaten professional record. The London event, promoted by Most Valuable Promotions and VIP Promotions, will also feature Ellie Scotney challenging Mayelli Flores for the undisputed world title.

With nine wins from nine professional fights, including five knockouts, Oshoba heads into the bout as one of the rising names in women’s boxing. She is currently ranked among the top contenders in the super lightweight division and holds both the WBC silver featherweight and IBO female super-featherweight titles, while also sitting as the IBF’s number one contender at super lightweight.

Small Doctor, whose real name is Adekunle Temitope, has increasingly built ties with boxing circles in Nigeria’s entertainment scene, notably through his rivalry with celebrity boxer Portable.

Oshoba, who moved to the UK in September 2022 to pursue her professional career after a successful amateur run, has expressed strong confidence ahead of the clash.

“I have worked too hard and come too far to let anyone slow me down. Every time I step into the ring, I want to make a statement, and April 5 will be no different,” she said.

“Arnell is experienced, and she has been in tough fights, but dominance is what I do. I am not coming to survive rounds, I am coming to take over.”

Arnell, a 35-year-old from Hull with a record of five wins, two defeats and one draw, has previously challenged for regional titles and will be aiming to capitalise on the opportunity.

Oshoba made history in January 2024 by becoming the first Nigerian female boxer to claim a world title, stopping Italy’s Michela Braga in the 10th round in Copenhagen to win the WBC silver featherweight belt.