Gift Cole Chiori
Name: Cole Chiori
Birth Name: Cole G Chiori
Hometown: Smyrna, Georgia, USA
Birthplace: Asaba, Nigeria
Stance: Orthodox
Height: 170cm
Pro Boxer: Record
‘’‘Gifted Cole Chiori’’’ is a Nigerian professional boxer and former Universal Boxing Federation (UBF) International Super Middleweight champion. A native of Ajegunle, Lagos, Nigeria, Chiori built an undefeated professional record while competing in Nigeria, Ghana, the Dominican Republic and the United States.
Biography
Chiori grew up in Ajegunle, Lagos, Nigeria, an area commonly known as “AJ.” He has credited the difficult environment of his youth with helping shape his fighting mentality. Chiori recalled that he frequently fought in the streets as a youngster before discovering organized boxing after coming across a boxing gym while growing up in Ajegunle.
He later moved to Festac Town, where he became more seriously involved in boxing and developed his skills. Chiori has credited his older brother Peter with encouraging him and telling him that he could eventually become a world champion.
Boxing also existed within Chiori’s family. His father, Rev. Cole Chiori, boxed during his youth before pursuing another career. His father later expressed pride that Gifted had followed a path in boxing and developed into an undefeated professional champion.
Professional Career
Chiori made his professional debut on October 23, 2011, at the Blue Roof, Lagos Television complex in Lagos, Nigeria, defeating Isiaka Omo Akin by technical knockout.
He continued his early professional career in Ghana, recording stoppage victories over Joe Coffie, John Paddy, Johnson Kotey and Awudu Tetteh.
Chiori later relocated his career to the United States and began competing for regional and international championships.
On July 20, 2013, Chiori defeated Nathan Petty by unanimous decision in Louisville, Kentucky, in a bout contested for the vacant World Boxing Foundation International Middleweight title.
On November 9, 2013, he faced Germany’s Tom Reiche at The Grand Ballroom in Norcross, Georgia. Chiori stopped Reiche to capture the World Boxing Foundation International Middleweight championship.
On May 15, 2014, Chiori traveled to Accra, Ghana, where he defeated Daniel Adjei Sowah after Sowah retired in his corner.
Chiori returned to championship competition on June 20, 2015, against Mexico’s Yair Aguiar at the Riverdale Center of Arts in Riverdale, Georgia. Chiori won by technical knockout to capture the vacant World Boxing Foundation Intercontinental Middleweight title.
He subsequently competed in the Dominican Republic during 2016, earning victories over Jorge Burgos, Jarlen Pena and Victor Moya.
UBF Championship
On May 12, 2018, Chiori faced Finnish boxer Teemu Tuominen at Legacy Garden Park and Event Center in Stone Mountain, Georgia.
Chiori stopped Tuominen in the third round and captured the vacant ‘’‘Global Boxing Federation World Super Middleweight title’’’ as well as the vacant ‘’‘Universal Boxing Federation (UBF) International Super Middleweight title’’’.
The victory improved Chiori’s professional record to ‘’‘14 wins, no losses, with 11 stoppage victories’’’.
Boxing Development and Community Work
Chiori has also been involved in efforts to develop boxing in Nigeria.
In 2021, Chiori helped organize a one-day boxing clinic at the Federal Housing Authority field in Festac City, Lagos. The event featured exhibition and competitive bouts and awarded cash prizes to participating boxers.
Chiori stated that his difficult upbringing and experiences fighting in the streets of Ajegunle motivated him to create opportunities for young Nigerian fighters. He has expressed a desire to discover and develop boxers capable of representing Nigeria internationally.
Championships and Accomplishments
- ‘’‘Universal Boxing Federation (UBF)’’’
** UBF International Super Middleweight Champion
- ‘’‘Global Boxing Federation (GBF)’’’
** GBF World Super Middleweight Champion
- ‘’‘World Boxing Foundation’’’
** International Middleweight Champion ** Intercontinental Middleweight Champion
Professional Record
‘’‘14 Wins – 0 Losses – 0 Draws’’’
‘’‘11 wins by stoppage’’’
Selected Championship Bouts
- ‘’‘May 12, 2018’’’ – Defeated Teemu Tuominen by TKO – UBF International Super Middleweight / GBF World Super Middleweight titles
- ‘’‘June 20, 2015’’’ – Defeated Yair Aguiar by TKO – World Boxing Foundation Intercontinental Middleweight title
- ‘’‘November 9, 2013’’’ – Defeated Tom Reiche by TKO – World Boxing Foundation International Middleweight title
- ‘’‘July 20, 2013’’’ – Defeated Nathan Petty by unanimous decision – World Boxing Foundation International Middleweight title