Nigeria has a rich history of producing world-class boxers, but the sport has been in decline for decades. Now, a Nigerian-born international sporting promoter, Dr. Adrian Ogun, has pledged to use his expertise and resources to revive the boxing industry in the country.
Dr. Ogun, who has worked with some of the biggest names in boxing, such as Lennox Lewis, Mike Tyson, Floyd Mayweather Jnr. and the Klitschko brothers, said he has partnered with the Nigerian Boxing Board of Control (NBBofC) and AMDM Promotions to scout and develop unknown talented Nigerians into becoming boxing legends.
He said he was motivated by the success of Nigerian-born boxers who have made their mark on the global stage, such as Henry Akinwande, Herbie Hide Maduagwu, Ike Ibeabuchj, Samuel Peter, Anthony Joshua and Efe Ajagba.
“Sadly, these sons of Nigeria were neither developed nor showcased in Africa for their adoring fans to watch and enjoy. I want to change that and create a platform for the next generation of Nigerian boxers to shine at home and abroad,” he said.
Dr. Ogun said he and AMDM had in the past promoted world championship boxing shows that featured the likes of Lennox Lewis, Mike Tyson, Floyd Mayweather Jr. Vitali, and Wladimir Klitschko.
“This, no doubt, prompted the NBBofC to recently grant a license to AMDM Promotions to promote boxing shows in Nigeria to showcase and develop homegrown Nigerian boxing talents,” he said.
AMDM Promotions is part of the AMDM group of companies managed by Dr. Ogun and co-founded by Nigerian sports entrepreneur, Tunde Folawiyo. Mr Folawiyo is a Forbes-listed oil, banking, and communications mogul – who has interests in the NBA franchise “Basketball Africa League (BAL) and a consortium building a new 10,000 plus seater sporting and entertainment arena in Lagos”.
Dr. Ogun added that through AMDM Africa, he runs the boxing TV streaming arm of ‘Lion’ a UK-based boxing promotional company owned by former World boxing champion Lennox Lewis.
His agency successfully streamed the Francis Ngannou v Tyson Fury controversial boxing match (where many viewers believed Cameroonian Ngannou was robbed of victory) to Airtel Africa’s mobile phone audience of up to 130 million users on 28th October 2023.
Lennox Lewis and Dr. Ogun aim to be at the ringside again in Riyadh on 17th February 2024 when Tyson Fury fights Olek Uysk in Riyadh for undisputed heavyweight WBC/WBA/IBF/IBO titles.
Ironically, Lennox Lewis – the last undisputed world heavyweight boxing champion since 1999 – loses his 25-year reign as the ‘last undisputed’ heavyweight title holder the day that fight is concluded on 17th February 2024.
Dr. Ogun also revealed that he has a track record of nurturing young talents in other sports, such as football. He said he played a role in the development of John Obi-Mikel and Taiye Taiwo when they were 14-year-old footballers.
“I used my relationship with Raymond Hack (of the South African Footballing Federation) and SEM’s financial muscle to get both Mikel and Taiwo placement contracts, at 14 years of age, to develop their footballing and academics skills with football club at Ajax Cape Town before their big money moves, years later, to European clubs. I plan to do the same now with Nigerian boxing talent,” he said.
On infrastructural development, Dr. Ogun promised to establish quality gyms, and boxing trainers and coaches in collaboration with Golden Gloves, Africa’s longest and most established boxing organization.
He said he was confident that Nigeria has the potential to produce more boxing champions shortly, and he was determined to make it happen.
“I believe in the power of sport to transform lives and inspire people. Boxing is a sport that requires discipline, dedication, and courage. I want to help young Nigerians achieve their dreams and make their country proud,” he said.
Source: The Guardian Nigeria
