Three Young Lads Ready For Future Challenges

While some parents want their children to play football, basketball or become good athletes, three young lads have chosen boxing as their professional careers.

To perfect their skills in boxing, Opeyemi Babajide, Kola Emmanuel, Femi Balogun train regularly at the Pako Amoo Boxing Gym Centre, Agege and from all indications they have what it takes to become great boxers in future.

Though still in primary school, the three young boxers have pitched their tents with Oba Sani Komolafe Boxing Club of Agege under the tutelage of Adekunle Balogun and Ajibo Hammed.

Six-year-old Opeyemi Babajide told Boxing In Focus that his dream is to represent Nigeria in future international championships.

“My greatest wish in life is to represent my fatherland in international tourneys. I know that Iwould achieve the goal because I always follow the instructions of my coaches,” said.

“I am not a street fighter. I know the rules governing the sport and everybody wants to associate with me in my school.”

Emmanuel, a pupil of Feyintolu Nursery And Primary School, Agege, said that he is in great shape and ready to fight with any boxer that challenges him in the ring.

“I am not training for fun. I am prepared for future challenges. I thank my coaches who have been drilling me since I joined the club three months ago. I will be able to fight for my country by the time I am 20 years old,” said the 7-year-old Emmanuel.

In his own submission, Balogun, who attends Central Primary School, Agege said he wants to garner enough experience in order to face future challenge.

“My time has not come to fight for my fatherland but I hope to become a star by the time I am 17 years old. I need to focus on my education now and train regularly so that I will be in good shape to fight,” said Balogun who wish to become an Olympian.

—Bimbo Ajayi