NBF honours Hogan Bassey as Boxing Week kicks off in Lagos
As part of activities to mark the inaugural National Boxing Week, the Nigeria Boxing Federation paid homage to the legacy of Nigerian boxing legend Okon Asuquo Bassey, popularly known as Hogan Bassey.
At a colourful ceremony held at his gravesite at the National Stadium, Surulere, the Vice President of the Nigeria Boxing Federation, Hon. Omonlei Imadu, alongside other board members, led a procession of boxers, coaches, officials and fans to celebrate the former world champion.
They laid flowers at the gravesite of the British-Nigerian pugilist whose achievements brought global recognition to the country and continue to inspire a new generation of fighters.
Notable personalities at the procession included Major General Ola Oyelade, the military representative on the NBF board, and the General Secretary, Vivian Azimene, among others.
The Boxing Week commenced on Monday with a well-attended seminar for coaches and officials, where participants were taken through several topics relating to the sport and their responsibilities around the squared ring. Meanwhile, bouts began today across various weight categories, as boxers compete for places at the forthcoming Commonwealth Games.
According to Imadu, the National Open Trials will provide an equal platform for both home-based and foreign-based boxers to compete for the opportunity to represent Nigeria in Glasgow, Scotland. He described the opening day as a success, citing the seminar, the procession in honour of Hogan Bassey and the commencement of bouts as major highlights.
“We have started well despite a few setbacks. The boxing family is united to ensure the entire event is successful. We are now focused on the bouts, and I can assure Nigerians that only the best boxers will be selected to represent the country at the Games in Glasgow,” he said.
The National Boxing Week will run until Friday, March 6, at the Brai Ayonote Boxing Gym, National Stadium, Surulere.
