The Nigerian Boxing Board of Control and a boxing promoter, Emeka Agba, have set their targets on developing a Nigerian world boxing champion in the next five years as they look to give a new lease of life to professional boxing in the country.
Agba, who recently received approval for his outfit, Emeka Agba Boxing Promotions, from the NBBofC, added that he had what it took to organise regular bouts that would bring out the best in Nigerian fighters.
He told PUNCH Sport Extra that as a first step in this direction, his outfit would organise a boxing championship tagged ‘Ring Matadors’ at the National Stadium, Lagos November 11.
Agba is keen to have the boxers that fight under his promotion remain based in Nigeria.
“We have resources wasting away all over the country, and when I am talking about resources, I mean people, there are youths sitting idle who can make an impact in boxing,” he told The PUNCH.
“So, we are going to pick the youths that have determination and passion, we will house them, bring in world-class trainers and develop them, take them to compete nationally and internationally and in the next five years. I promise we will have a Nigerian-made world boxing champion. And after they get that title, they will come back to Nigeria, they will be based here.”
Secretary-General, NBBofC, Remi Aboderin, mirrors Agba’s aims and believes it is only a matter of time before they can achieve the lofty ambition as they look to cut down on emigration of talents in boxing.
“I must commend Chief Emeka Agba for joining the list of boxing promoters in the country, which will help in giving our boxers hope and greater opportunity to have regular fights and be in a position to get good rankings and progress further in the profession.
“On developing a world champion that is Nigerian-born and Nigeria-based, it is very very possible and I know that with the right environment and orientation, most of our boxers who turn professional would be keen to operate in Nigeria,” he said.
One of such boxers who enjoyed success in amateurs and emigrated for her professional career is Elizabeth Oshoba.Boxing body, promoter target Nigerian champions in five years
Oshoba was a silver medallist at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, UK and is now residing in West England, managed by Neilson Boxing promotions.
The 23-year-old is set for her first title fight against British boxer Amy Andrew for the Commonwealth title on November 25 in Wiltshire, United Kingdom.
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