Who is D’Real Show Boi you ask? 

Known for holding the Nigerian and West African featherweight titles, it’s no surprise that people are starting to ask who he is. His name is becoming a household favourite inside Lagosian homes. He took time out of his busy schedule to give me an insight into his life over a phone call.

Rilwan Lawal calls himself “D’Real Show Boi” because when he gets on that stage to fight he makes sure that he puts on a show. He has a flawless record with an undefeated nine fights – five of which were knockouts. Lawal is certainly building a credible reputation for himself.

He studied at Gbagada Senior Grammar School before joining the Nigerian army in 2013 – which also currently sponsors his boxing training. He is supported by Saleh Fawaz’s firm. 

When asked about his military duties Lawal kept tightly lipped for security reasons.

“I’m a normal soldier. I carry out my normal soldier duties. I train at the military base and they give me release from my duties.” 

He has a matter of fact way of speaking. Everything is exactly as he says no more, no less. He’s very polite but sure of himself.

D’Real Show Boi’s passion and self-confidence are evident as he makes it known that although he has inspirations, his biggest inspiration remains himself.

“Every fighter always has a picture on the wall of the person who inspires them. Me, I have no one there. I want to be my only inspiration. But I can admire great people like Prince Nazeem.”

Rilwan believes that the only way to win is to believe that you are “unstoppable”. 

When asked for his thoughts on whether his competition was also as confident as he was he laughed over the poorly connected wifi call. “Nigerians are going to take over boxing, never underestimate us.”

Simple but effective, the message completely received. Something is intriguing about the confidence that Nigerian people exude. Something to admire, definitely, as when they work together great things seem to happen. 

Rilwan’s day usually starts early, but he doesn’t mind. The “discipline is needed for both the army and boxing”. So an early start isn’t something that will faze him any time soon. He tries to train as often as he can but the impact of boxing, of course, can be quite exhausting on the body. “I have to look after myself, nothing is easy. Not boxing. Not the military. I’m a real soldier.”

He has hopes of becoming a world champion and his success rate so far suggests that this isn’t such a far fetched idea. 

He explains that his fights are organised by Saleh Fawaz (boxing promoter) and his “main responsibilities are to train and stay focused”.

Nigeria has a booming economy but as Fawaz has already disclosed facilities need upgrading. Rilwan dreams of fighting in “Las Vegas and London” but maintains that his home will always be most important to him.

Who is the D’Real Show Boi you ask? He’s a Nigerian boxing champion currently living in Lagos.  I’m sure you’ll hear about him soon.