By Francis Ajuonuma
After several failed attempts, the Nigerian Boxing Board of Control (NBB of C) under the leadership of Dr Rafiu Ladipo at the weekend held a day seminar for professional boxers, coaches, managers and promoters in the country.
The seminar, the first in as many years in the country was held at Brai Ayonote Boxing Gymnasium with the tag: Nigerian Boxing Board of Control Seminar 2023. it aim at exposing boxers, coaches, managers and promoters on what it takes to achieving success in modern day professional boxing.
Resource persons at the event, include former Commonwealth and Africa welterweight champion, Segun Ajose, Dr. Tajudeen Duke, who spoke boxing and medical health, Dr. Ladipo and Remi Aboderin, Secretary, NBB of C.
Speaking on the topic: Ethics of Boxing, Ladipo told the participants that modern boxing has gone beyond mere exchange of punches, noting that most Nigerian boxers know little or nothing about the ethics of professional boxing as it has affected their performance in the ring.
“The seminar is to make Nigerian boxers to come at par with their colleagues across the world. To know what is happening in the world of boxing, not just boxing, boxing but they should know what professional boxing is all about. What are the rules, what are the ethics, discipline part of boxing, the medical part of it; a lot of our boxer don’t even know the rules.
“If you want to be a successful boxer you must dedicate yourself 100 per cent to it, because champions are not made a day but on a longtime commitment.
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“As a boxer you must be focused, be ready to take on your opponent at any given time. No womanising, no alcoholism, no late night keeping, but always train,” said.
Aboderin; who spoke on Boxing Rules and Promotion/Sponsorship, lectured the participants to see boxing as a big business and avoid showmanship during fight and always be ready to give their all within the rules of the sport, and also avoid negative altitude that could deny them sponsorship and promotion which every determined boxers need to be succesful.
“Boxing is a very risky sport, so when you are in the ring be ready to give your all and pray God see you through. Fight wethin your weight category or not more than two weight categories in sparring to avoid disaster.
Former Commonwealth and African Light welterweight champion, Segun Ajose who spoke on ‘General discipline and respect in boxing’ told the boxers, coaches and managers to be disciplined with their lifestyle and show respect to each other.
“Managers and Coaches should learn to treat their boxers with respect to get the best from them. And as a boxer you should learn to eat healty foods, stop keeping late night and avoid alcoholism including herbal gin as as it affect the health and fitness of boxers,” he said
