NAN-S-3
Represent
Lagos, Feb. 23, 2017 (NAN) Retired Brig. Gen. Ola Ayeni, a member of the Africa Boxing Confederation, has urged professional boxers to take advantage of the Amateur International Boxing Association (AIBA) rules to contest in the country’s colour.
Ayeni told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Lagos that AIBA in 2016 approved for professional boxers to represent their countries in continental games.
“I was part of the technical committee in the congress where it was decided that professional boxers can now represent their countries in continental games.
“That has created an enabling environment for our professional boxers in Nigeria and outside who are willing to represent the nation in Africa and Commonwealth Games to do so.
“It’s a welcome development; I implore our professional boxers to brace up in their training and identify with the country; bringing up their experience to play to honour Nigeria,’’ he said.
He said professional boxers, who are willing to represent the country, have nothing to lose, adding that that it would be an opportunity for them to give back.
“We cannot overrule the fact that most of our professional boxers passed through the amateur cadre in this country before progressing to the level they are operating now.
“I am sure the country will be honoured to have their own represent them in major continental championships while the professional boxers should smile at this special consideration.
“The idea is to get the glory of Nigeria’s image in the boxing scene restored because we have better boxers compared to other countries,’’ he told NAN.
The former vice-president of AIBA urged amateur boxers to be eager and aim higher to enable them competes favourably in line with AIBA rules as part of the build-up for international competitions.
Ayeni, also a board member of the Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF), said the body would intensify efforts to ensure that current boxers were busy through national championships in order to identify budding talents.
“We are working to overcome the issue of poor funding and organise national competitions, take care of our boxers and get them ready for international contests,’’ he added.
NAN reports that AIBA is the official ruling body of boxing in Africa and Nigeria is one of its affiliated associations. (NAN)
MIL/ENN/OJO
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(Edited by Edwin Nwachukwu/Mufutau Ojo)