Nigeria's boxing calls for more investment

Posted : 29 July 2024

Organizers of the Yucateco Boxing League (YBL) have called on governments and corporate bodies to invest in the development of boxing in Nigeria.

They made this call at a seminar marking the beginning of the second season of the Yucateco Boxing League in Lagos.

Resource persons spoke on a wide range of topics at the seminar, which aimed at helping participants achieve great heights in their chosen careers.

The seminar was organized in the conference room of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

The lead speaker, Sen. Shehu Sani, also urged governments at all levels to continually invest in sports and youth development.

Speaking on the topic, "Making Champions of Nigerian Youths," Sani emphasized that governments at all levels should not pay lip service to sports development at the expense of talented youths.

The former lawmaker, who represented Kaduna Central Senatorial District in the 8th Assembly, commended the Chief Executive Officer of Yucateco Boxing Promotions, Omonlei Imadu, for initiating the boxing league.

He also urged the government and individuals to support the boxing promotion initiative.

"Imadu has done well by investing in the future of Nigerian youth through the Yucateco Boxing League," he said.

Dr. Bukola Bojuwoye, Director of Sports Medicine at the Lagos State Sports Commission, also stated that proper investment in boxing would greatly benefit many young people.

Ade Thompson and Nollywood star Richardo Agbor cautioned boxers about the effects and implications of using performance-enhancing drugs. They also discussed the benefits of signing sports contracts and branding for star athletes.

Dr. Mitchell Obi, a veteran broadcaster and former Vice President of AIPS, discussed the benefits of participating in a league.

Similarly, Idris Aregbesola, the Special Adviser to the Governor of Lagos State on Tourism, Arts, and Culture, and music star Adekunle Temitope, popularly known as Small Doctor, also gave motivational talks.

According to Imadu, the forthcoming boxing event will be bigger and better, with 12 clubs accredited to compete for the N50 million prize money.

He also mentioned that YBL Season Two would be held in 12 states, with 312 boxers competing in 13 weight classes for both males and females.

"The top three boxers in all categories will receive cash rewards, with winners pocketing two million Naira each.

The opening ceremony and week one fights are scheduled for August 2," Imadu said.

Nigeria's boxing calls for more investment

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics