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IBA President met with the President of Nigeria to discuss the development of boxing and the announcement of upcoming Nigerian boxing tournament

June 26th, 2024 / General

In a significant move to support the development of boxing in Nigeria, the International Boxing Association (IBA) President, Mr Umar Kremlev has expressed a strong desire to provide assistance in the restoration of boxing gyms across the country. The focus will be on the city of Lagos, widely recognized as the center of boxing in Nigeria and strongly supported by the national federation.

The dilapidated state of the gyms, with leaky roofs and damaged floors and walls due to the rainy season, has prompted the IBA President to act. Recognizing the importance of boxing as one of the most popular sports in the region, the President aims to ensure that the necessary infrastructure is in place for aspiring boxers to train and excel.

Furthermore, the President of Nigeria, Mr Bola Ahmed Adekunle Tinubu has extended his support for the initiative and has endorsed the idea of organizing a boxing tournament as early as August. Thanks to the unwavering support from both the national federation and the government, the tournament is set to become a reality. This aligns with the President’s vision to develop sports in the country, a goal shared by the United Nations and the nation’s leader.

Highlighting the prowess of Nigerian boxers, it is worth noting that three athletes have already qualified for the upcoming Paris Games. Their success serves as a testament to the talent and potential that exists within the country’s boxing community.

In addition to the boxing tournament, the government has also approved their participation in the upcoming World Friendship Games, promising to send teams to participate in various sports. This further emphasizes the commitment of the government to promote sports and foster international collaboration.