Boxing: Fashola Hails New Hall Of Fame Gym

Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fasola, has said that the newly-built Lagos Boxing Hall of Fame Gymnasium located at Itire/Ikate Surulere LCDA is good for the game in the country.

Speaking yesterday at the inauguration of the gym, Fashola said the edifice will enhance the performance of Nigerian boxers preparing for the international tournaments like the Olympics.

“This is a testimony of our commitment to the development of boxing in the country. I believe this will place us on a very strong and firm footing, as we work harder to get it right at the next Olympics in Brazil,” said Fasola. He added: “We end up with a fire brigade approach every time we compete at international tournaments.”

We rush athletes to the camp two weeks before a tournament and expect them to win.  I don’t see a way forward without facilities like this where athletes can train on a daily basis two years before their championship.”

“This gym has provided yet another opportunity for the government of Lagos State to show its commitment to the development of grassroots sports in the state.

Apart from this, I know of many young boxers that the Lagos State Boxing hall of Fame, LBHF monthly championship has taken off the streets. I know many young men and women that the monthly championship has taken 2 places they never dreamt of seeing in their lives,” Fashola said.

By Bimbo Ajayi