…Organizer Calls for Presidential Intervention
A highly anticipated Guinness World Record boxing fight in Nigeria has been stalled due to allegations of corruption, frustrating organizers and prompting calls for urgent intervention from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Addressing Journalists in Abuja recently, the Organizer of the Guinness World Record Boxing, Bash Ali OON, said the historic event, which aimed to showcase Nigeria’s boxing talent on the global stage, has reportedly been hindered by bureaucratic bottlenecks and demands for unofficial payments by certain officials. He decried the situation, calling it a major setback for Nigerian sports.
“This event was meant to make history, not just for Nigerian boxing but for the country as a whole,” the organizer said. “We have followed all necessary procedures, yet we are being frustrated by systemic corruption and unnecessary red tape. We are calling on President Tinubu to intervene and ensure this fight goes ahead, ” he said
Furthermore the Boxing Champ said the fight which was expected to feature both local and international boxing stars, had generated significant interest from fans, sponsors, and international sporting bodies, including Guinness World Records. If successful, the event would have set a new world record, drawing global attention to Nigeria’s boxing scene.
However, sources close to the organizing team have revealed that certain government agencies and officials have allegedly demanded kickbacks and unofficial fees before granting necessary approvals. These obstacles have prevented the event from moving forward, putting months of planning and investment at risk.
The delay has sparked outrage among sports enthusiasts, with many taking to social media to express their disappointment. Fans and stakeholders in the Nigerian sports industry argue that such setbacks discourage private investment in sports and further tarnish the country’s reputation as a host for major international events.
The Nigerian boxing champion, and sports analyst have also weighed in, urging the government to take decisive action. “This is an embarrassment,” said one former national boxing champion. “Nigeria has the talent and potential to be a global sports powerhouse, but corruption keeps holding us back.”
“As of now, neither the Presidency nor the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko has issued an official response to the allegations or the organizer’s call for intervention. However, pressure continues to mount for immediate action to resolve the crisis, ” Bash Ali said.
“I believe that if President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR steps in, the event could still be salvaged, restoring faith in Nigeria’s ability to host record-breaking sporting events. The coming days will determine whether the dream of making history in Nigerian boxing will be realized or lost to corruption and bureaucratic in efficiencies,” he concluded.
