Nigeria Amateur Boxing is alive. Amateur Boxers excited fans with punches, jabs and knockouts in the second edition of the Ogun Saturday Boxing Show held at the Alake Sports Center, Abeokuta on Saturday.
Speaking after the tournament, the chief sponsor and newly elected South-West Zone Representative on the Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF) Board, Olawale Edun, chairman Lagos Boxing Hall of Fame said that the tournament was a testament to the strength and growing popularity of amateur boxing in Nigeria and was part of the organisation’s talent search.
“This tournament is part of our resolve to improve the level of boxing in Nigeria. Our main focus is to give young boxers time in the ring as we grow them in the sport.”
The one-time Lagos State Commissioner of Finance also added that sports federations should practice transparency and accountability when it involves funding for their activities especially in these times of austerity.
“I have always believed that there should be transparency in sports. Federations ought to be absolutely clean because a corrupt association will not only deter potential sponsors but also hinder the growth of sports in the country” Edun added.
Ajani Aremu, the chairman of the Ogun State Amateur Boxing Association (OGSBA) praised the young boxers who displayed on the night and revealed that Ogun has an abundance of talent. He said a strong state team, the Gateway Bombers would be selected and camped to prepare for training towards the National Festival Games and other boxing tournaments like the Lagos Governor’s Belt.
