Jonathan Should Help Develop Boxing

As Nigerians and politicians in Nigeria celebrate the re-emergence of Goodluck Jonathan as President of Nigeria, Secretary General of Nigeria Boxing Board of Control, NBB of C, Remi Aboderin, told ADEBOBOLA ALAWODE in this interview that he would like the president to help to develop professional boxing in the country.

There has been a lull in professional boxing in the country, why?

My brother, it is not the fault of the NBB of C but I won’t want to point finger at anybody or an entity for this. I want to assure you that we would soon bounce back.

What do you mean by that?

What I mean is that we are already working out modalities on how best we can move the sport forward in the country.

What plans does the board has to achieve this goal?

I won’t like to disclose what we have in the offing for you but I want to assure you that the NBB of C is not leaving anything to chance to make sure that professional boxing in the country returns to where it was in the 70s, 80s and early 90s.

The quest of Olusegun Ajose, a Nigerian boxer based in the United Kingdom has suffered serious setback, what step is the board taking to ensure that the fight finally holds?

We are looking at the possibility of the fight holding in Nigeria. But I wont lie to you and Nigerians, we need a lot of money for the bout to hold in Nigeria.

Would you say the re emergence of President Jonathan could make the fight possible in Nigeria?

I wan to first congratulate him on his victory. I also believe that during his tenure boxing would move forward.

What message do you have for him?

I want him to help us develop the sport by encouraging corporate bodies in Nigeria to assist in the development of professional boxing in the country.

We need their assistance, because without them the sport cannot develop.