17th February, 2016
The opening day of the GOtv Boxing NextGen Search delivered 20 promising boxers, who will join the professional ranks.
The two-day event, holding at the Lagos Boxing Hall of Fame Gym, is conceived to raise a fresh generation of Nigerian boxers to succeed the current one, many of whom are already ageing. The new boxers, whose are within 19 and 25 years of age, came from as far as Anambra and Abia states.
Two of them from Anambra State, Chukwuebuka Donald and Ebube Edeh are already tipped for big things.
The event opened with a press briefing attended by representatives of the sponsors, GOtv; members of the Nigerian Boxing Board of Control, Lagos Boxing Hall of Fame and Flykite Sports, organisers of the event.
In a speech by Mr. Adewunmi Ogunsanya, Chairman, MultiChoice Nigeria, promoters of GOtv, the sponsors explained that the need to set up a production line of boxers for all weight categories in a bid to take boxing many notches higher. Read on his behalf by Mr. Jenkins Alumona, CEO of Flykite Sports, Mr. Ogunsanya said the new initiative will make the sport self-regenerating.
A major highlight of the day was the unveiling of the partnership between GOtv Boxing and Lagos Boxing Hall of Fame.
The partnership was described by Mr. Edun as a dream come true. GOtv’s involvement in boxing, said Edun, has revitalised the professional cadre and is certain to do same for the amateur cadre.
The event featured sparring sessions, with boxers watched and assessed by a five-man judges panel headed by famous boxing instructor, Joe Mensah. Also on the panel are Obisia Nwakpa and Jerry Okorodudu.
In attendance were Mr. Martin Mabutho, General Manager (Marketing) , MultiChoice ; Efe Obiomah, PR Manager, GOtv; Dr Rafiu Ladipo, member, NBB of C; members of the press and boxing enthusiasts.
The event ends today, with selected boxers billed to attend a sport/medical seminar at Old Skool Restaurant, National Stadium, Lagos, on Friday.
Selected boxers will have their licences paid for by the sponsors, who will also pay for free medical examination for the boxers.