Professional boxers reject NBF oversight, demand NBBC authority
By Tosin Omojola
A large number of Nigerian professional boxers on Tuesday staged a peaceful protest at the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos, in support of the Nigerian Boxing Board of Control (NBBC).
The boxers called for the board to retain its authority in sanctioning professional boxing activities in the country, rather than the Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF).
The protest, which remained orderly, attracted fighters, trainers, promoters, and other stakeholders from across Nigeria. Participants displayed placards and banners emphasizing the need to preserve the existing structure separating amateur and professional boxing governance.
Some of the boxers, including Taiwo Agbaje, Hamzat Idris, and Chinedu Okeke, spoke during the demonstration, reiterating their support for the NBBC.
They were joined by Abiodun Idris Afini, Coordinator of the Progressive Professional Boxers Association (PPBA), who also addressed the gathering.
Afini noted that the Nigerian Boxing Board of Control has historically overseen professional boxing in Nigeria, including licensing fighters, sanctioning bouts, and enforcing safety standards.
The protesters argued that the Nigeria Boxing Federation traditionally regulates amateur and Olympic boxing, warning that merging responsibilities could create confusion and disrupt the sport.
They also raised concerns about their careers, welfare, rankings, and international recognition, urging the Federal Ministry of Sports to clearly define the roles of both bodies to avoid further disputes.
