GWR: Arowolo targets world record after completing 12-hour challenge

Nigerian boxer Damilare Arowolo, popularly known as “Ugly Wolf,” has set his sights on breaking the Guinness World Record for the longest marathon on a punching bag after successfully completing a 12-hour challenge on Wednesday at Wembley Gym, Ogba, Lagos.

The professional boxer took to social media to celebrate his achievement, writing: “God did, we did it. Thank you all for the love and support, I appreciate you all and I’m happy I make you proud. Onto the next one @guinnessworldrecords.”

This 12-hour feat marks a significant milestone in Arowolo’s preparation for his ambitious 60-hour attempt scheduled for April, which would surpass the current world record of 55 hours and 15 minutes set by Indian martial artist Sidhu Kshetri in November 2023.

Arowolo’s support team, Gloves for Africa, shared their pride in his accomplishment on Saturday, stating, “12 Hours on a punching bag, @iamuglywolf. Not an easy journey.

“Unto the next Phase. 60 hours on Punching bag to break the @guinnessworldrecords for the Longest Marathon on punching Bag. We call for more sponsorship and support towards the global stage.”

The boxer had previously completed a five-hour non-stop punching session on February 12, demonstrating his progressive approach to building the extraordinary endurance required for the world record attempt.

If successful in his upcoming 60-hour attempt, Arowolo would not only break the existing record but also become the first African to hold this particular Guinness World Record, potentially inspiring a new generation of Nigerian athletes to pursue similar achievements in endurance sports.

The current record holder, 42-year-old Kshetri, set the benchmark after a gruelling 55-hour and 15-minute punching marathon in Pune, Maharashtra, India, exceeding the previous record by just five minutes.

Arowolo, who has established himself as a formidable presence in Nigerian boxing with multiple elite championships and two national titles, views these challenges as not only training milestones but also opportunities to generate public awareness for his record-breaking aspirations.