BY OLANREWAJU AGIRI
Professional boxers, promoters, and stakeholders in Nigerian boxing gathered yesterday at the swimming pool side of the National Stadium, Lagos, for a landmark Boxers Summit and press conference organized by the Progressive Professional Boxers Association in collaboration with promoters under the auspices of the Nigerian Professional Boxing Promoters Association.
The summit served as an educational and interactive session where professional boxers took time to study and understand the rules and regulations guiding the professional aspect of boxing globally. The participants also received enlightenment on the rights, responsibilities, and benefits of working with the appropriate sanctioning body, the Nigerian Boxing Board of Control.
During the event, several boxers shared personal testimonies about their career progression, expressing gratitude to the NBBofC for the transformation currently being witnessed in the sport. According to one of the pro-boxers, Sikiru Sogbesan, “The professional boxing in Nigeria was previously struggling, with only two or three boxing shows held in an entire year, which was a factor that always scared the amateur boxers from turning professional.”
The secretary of PPBA, however, noted that “since the new leadership of the Nigerian Boxing Board of Control took over, the board studied the factors that were impeding the growth of the sport and implemented reforms that revived professional boxing in the country. As a result of these changes, Nigeria now records two to three professional boxing shows every week, a development many described as unprecedented in the history of Nigerian professional boxing.”
Also speaking at the summit, Alh. Wasiu Alabi, the Chief Executive Officer of D’Lad Boxing Promotions emphasized the importance of unity among boxers, promoters, managers, and the sanctioning body to sustain the growth currently being experienced in the sport. He also encouraged boxers to remain disciplined, follow proper contractual procedures, and always compete under a recognized regulatory body for their safety, career development, and financial protection.
The summit concluded with a press conference where stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to developing professional boxing in Nigeria, improving fighters’ welfare, and creating more opportunities for Nigerian boxers to compete both locally and internationally.
The event is widely considered a significant step toward strengthening the structure, governance, and global relevance of professional boxing in Nigeria. This renewed focus according to the Afinni Abiodun Idris, the coordinator of PPBA is expected to attract more investment into the sport, paving the way for enhanced training facilities and better support systems for boxers. “As a result, the future of boxing in Nigeria looks promising, with hopes of producing more world-class champions who can proudly fly the colour of the nation on international stages.”
Other promoters in attendance include Tijani Taofeek Adedamola of FIRO Boxing Promotions, the Akinade Akeem of Ufit Box, Chinedu Okeke of Heritage Boxing Entertainment , Obinna Mathew of Wise Man Boxing Promotions and Alh. Wasiu Alabi, the CEO of D’Lad Boxing Promotions and the Coordinator of Nigerian Professional Boxing Promoters Association.
