Boxing is a pioneer sports in Nigeria that predates the country’s independence winning global recognition and laurels as early as the 1950’s but suddenly dissipated from the scene at the start of the 2000’s, and the South East representative, Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF), Chief Osondu Ogbu has reaffirm the commitment of the body in producing talented boxers for major championships.
The league which will serve as a platform to unearth talents, is the first of its kind in the country and would see participating states likes Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo and Akabo Akabuzue Boxing Academy (Imo) face off from the 6th of August in a home and away format.
Speaking to sportszone.com.ng correspondent, over the weekend In a telephone chat from his base in Lagos, hinted that the primary target for the athletes to garner experience from such championships, believing that the competition would be an annual event.
Ogbu who is also the Chairman of the Enugu State Boxing Association further confirmed that putting up such a of tournament has been a daunting and heculian task because of the financial implications, reiterating that some states government take responsibility of its contingents at major tournaments.
Responding to the chances of the state contingents ahead of the forthcoming tournament, Head Coach, Enugu State Boxing Association, Blaise Udeh expresses satisfaction over the performance of athletes in previous championships, stating that the league will put the athletes in good shape ahead of subsequent competitions.
It would be recalled that from 1945 to mid 1950’s Nigeria Boxing dominated the World Stage winning global recognition and laurels with Hogan “Kid” Bassey and Dick Tiger crowned as the undisputed World Champions in the featherweight and middleweight categories respectively.
