London 2012: Poor Preparation May Hinder Boxers

Nigeria-born Commonwealth Super Welterweight Champion, Olusegun Ajose has said that  poor preparation may hinder the country’s boxers from winning laurels at the 2012 London Olympic Games.

He told newsmen  in Lagos that it was unfortunate that Nigeria had not started preparations for the Games which begin on July 27.

Ajose said that other countries started preparing for the same Games four years ago.

He said that boxers needed frequent training and competitions to perform optimally at international games.

“I have not seen the readiness of Nigerian boxers to win medals at the Olympics because, up till now, there is no serious preparation.

“Most of the countries we want to compete with started preparations four years ago, so how are we going to win’’?

Ajose said: “The NBF is doing their best, but it’s not enough, they should do more for boxing to be promoted,’’ Ajose said.

The contender for the World Boxing Council (WBC) Light Welterweight title also said that lack of sponsorship had hindered the development of professional boxing.

He appealed to individuals and corporate organisations to stake their money in it to reap from what he called “a goldmine’’.