NBB of C says professional boxing on decline due to lack of promoters, sponsors

The Nigeria Boxing Board of Control on Monday attributed lack of
promoters and corporate sponsorships as the greatest challenges
militating against the growth of professional boxing in the country.
Remi Aboderin, the Secretary of the board, told the News Agency of
Nigeria in Lagos that efforts by the board to woo promoters and
corporate sponsors always proved abortive.
According to Aboderin, the NBB of C has lots of programmes and quality
boxers who can do well in international competitions but were match
rusty due to lack of promoters and sponsors.
He said: “Today, most corporate organisations stake their money in
entertainment and football alone, leaving other lesser sports to rot
away.
“There are lots of gains and profits in sponsoring and promoting
professional boxing, if companies can put their money in it.
“The lack of sponsorship has obviously affected promoters who, today,
are also only interested in other sports, rather than boxing.”
The secretary urged the National Sports Commission to assist in
appealing to corporate organisations to sponsor sporting activities in
the country.
Aboderin added: “The NBB of C only regulates and scouts for amateur
boxers who are good for professional and prepare them for
international bouts, but we cannot as well sponsor these boxers on our
own.
“We have lots of companies in this country who reap bountifully, but
instead of staking their money in boxing and other lesser sports, they
prefer football and entertainment.
“I hereby appeal to the NSC to help find a way of making boxing and
other lesser sports attractive to corporate organisations for them to
be willing to develop them.”
He called on the media to assist in the promotion of professional
boxing for Nigeria to reclaim its lost glory, internationally.