The Francis Aiyegbeni Boxing Club CEO cites conflicting visions and a decline in discipline as reasons for parting ways with Idowu Rasheed, despite years of guidance and investment in his career.
The CEO of the Francis Aiyegbeni Boxing Club, Ms. Edna Bolade Aiyegbeni, has revealed why she has decided to part ways with rising boxing star Idowu Rasheed, popularly known as ID Burster.
Despite playing a pivotal role in shaping his career, Aiyegbeni explained that differences in vision for both the club and Rasheed’s career direction made the split inevitable.
“We have had a fruitful partnership, but our visions no longer align. I wish him well, and I believe we will both find success on our separate paths,” she told the sporting press.
*Early Struggles and Intervention*
Aiyegbeni, who also serves as Chairperson of the Oyo State Amateur Boxing Association, recalled how she first encountered Rasheed during a turbulent period in his career.
Despite his natural talent, he was losing fights and even ran into trouble with the Nigerian Boxing Board of Control (NBBofC) after participating in unauthorized bouts abroad.
“He went to fight in Abidjan without clearance from the Oyo State chapter of the NBBofC, and he was fined. I knew he couldn’t pay, so I stepped in and cleared the fine to save his career,” she said.
Rasheed later began training with the Francis Aiyegbeni Boxing Club under former Commonwealth champion Coach Sunny Bruce in Ibadan. To ease his travel burden from his hometown in Iwo, Osun State, accommodation was arranged for him at Kings Hotel, courtesy of a supporter, Roger.
*Building Rasheed’s Career*
To give him broader exposure, Aiyegbeni sent Rasheed to various boxing camps in Lagos and Ogun State.
The efforts bore fruit when he made his international debut in Ghana, facing Bastie Samir for the Universal Boxing Organization (UBO) African Light Heavyweight title.
Rasheed’s performance was commanding—knocking down Samir three times—yet controversy marred the bout when Ghanaian officials initially ruled it a technical draw.
It took the intervention of the NBBofC before the belt was formally awarded to him in Nigeria.
*The Turning Point*
Following the victory, Rasheed’s profile soared, especially in his hometown. He earned the nickname “Omo Iwo” and gained the attention of the Oluwo of Iwo and the Osun State Governor, who promised him ₦5 million.
“That promise changed everything,” Aiyegbeni lamented. “Instead of focusing on training, his attention shifted to chasing the money. Government officials encouraged it because they wanted their share. Up till now, he has not been paid a kobo.”
The anticipated title defense, scheduled six months after his victory, never materialized. Aiyegbeni described the promise as a political gimmick, which derailed his progress and created tension between the boxer and the club.
*Break in Relationship*
According to Aiyegbeni, Rasheed stopped training properly and came under the influence of political handlers.
Nearly a year later, facing the threat of losing his title, he returned to the club “like a prodigal son,” she said, with Balmoral Promotions stepping in to rescue his career by sponsoring an opponent.
Despite these interventions, the bond between the boxer and the club had weakened beyond repair.
Looking Ahead
For Aiyegbeni, the decision marks the end of a demanding yet impactful chapter in her club’s journey. She emphasized that while parting ways was difficult, it was necessary to preserve the values and vision of the Francis Aiyegbeni Boxing Club.
“Boxing is not just about talent; it is about discipline, focus, and consistency,” she noted. “I have given my best to support Idowu Rasheed, but now it is time to channel my energy into nurturing the next generation of champions. I sincerely wish him the very best as he continues his career.”
The Francis Aiyegbeni Boxing Club CEO cites conflicting visions and a decline in discipline as reasons for parting ways with Idowu Rasheed, despite years of guidance and investment in his career.
The CEO of the Francis Aiyegbeni Boxing Club, Ms. Edna Bolade Aiyegbeni, has revealed why she has decided to part ways with rising boxing star Idowu Rasheed, popularly known as ID Burster.
Despite playing a pivotal role in shaping his career, Aiyegbeni explained that differences in vision for both the club and Rasheed’s career direction made the split inevitable.
“We have had a fruitful partnership, but our visions no longer align. I wish him well, and I believe we will both find success on our separate paths,” she told the sporting press.
Early Struggles and Intervention
Aiyegbeni, who also serves as Chairperson of the Oyo State Amateur Boxing Association, recalled how she first encountered Rasheed during a turbulent period in his career.
Despite his natural talent, he was losing fights and even ran into trouble with the Nigerian Boxing Board of Control (NBBofC) after participating in unauthorized bouts abroad.
“He went to fight in Abidjan without clearance from the Oyo State chapter of the NBBofC, and he was fined. I knew he couldn’t pay, so I stepped in and cleared the fine to save his career,” she said.
Rasheed later began training with the Francis Aiyegbeni Boxing Club under former Commonwealth champion Coach Sunny Bruce in Ibadan. To ease his travel burden from his hometown in Iwo, Osun State, accommodation was arranged for him at Kings Hotel, courtesy of a supporter, Roger.
Building Rasheed’s Career
To give him broader exposure, Aiyegbeni sent Rasheed to various boxing camps in Lagos and Ogun State.
The efforts bore fruit when he made his international debut in Ghana, facing Bastie Samir for the Universal Boxing Organization (UBO) African Light Heavyweight title.
Rasheed’s performance was commanding—knocking down Samir three times—yet controversy marred the bout when Ghanaian officials initially ruled it a technical draw.
It took the intervention of the NBBofC before the belt was formally awarded to him in Nigeria.
The Turning Point
Following the victory, Rasheed’s profile soared, especially in his hometown. He earned the nickname “Omo Iwo” and gained the attention of the Oluwo of Iwo and the Osun State Governor, who promised him ₦5 million.
“That promise changed everything,” Aiyegbeni lamented. “Instead of focusing on training, his attention shifted to chasing the money. Government officials encouraged it because they wanted their share. Up till now, he has not been paid a kobo.”
The anticipated title defense, scheduled six months after his victory, never materialized. Aiyegbeni described the promise as a political gimmick, which derailed his progress and created tension between the boxer and the club.
Break in Relationship
According to Aiyegbeni, Rasheed stopped training properly and came under the influence of political handlers.
Nearly a year later, facing the threat of losing his title, he returned to the club “like a prodigal son,” she said, with Balmoral Promotions stepping in to rescue his career by sponsoring an opponent.
Despite these interventions, the bond between the boxer and the club had weakened beyond repair.
Looking Ahead
For Aiyegbeni, the decision marks the end of a demanding yet impactful chapter in her club’s journey. She emphasized that while parting ways was difficult, it was necessary to preserve the values and vision of the Francis Aiyegbeni Boxing Club.
“Boxing is not just about talent; it is about discipline, focus, and consistency,” she noted. “I have given my best to support Idowu Rasheed, but now it is time to channel my energy into nurturing the next generation of champions. I sincerely wish him the very best as he continues his career.”
