A former President of
the Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF), Rotimi George-Taylor, has said that lack of commitment from the private and public sectors had ruined professional boxing in the country.
“There are no qualified coaches, no qualified referees, no dedication whatsoever from anybody to revive professional boxing,’’ he said.
George-Taylor told newsmen in Lagos that professional boxing could not grow because the critical stakeholders did not make conscious efforts to move it to the next level.
He added that all the vital ingredients that could foster a flourishing professional boxing industry in the nation were not in place.
“Neglect has trailed the development of boxing in Nigeria, and if the basic platform is not fully functional the other spheres cannot work.
“Amateur boxing in Nigeria is not in good shape, it has to first develop thoroughly in the country and then professional boxers will emerge.
“Professional boxing comes from amateur boxing, when amateur boxers cannot make a mark in the international scene; there is no confidence in them.
“It is only when they are trained and sponsored by private individuals to win international competitions, that the professional boxing scene can be revived,’’ George-Taylor said.
The former NBF president said that stakeholders must first address the near stagnant state of amateur boxing to entice potential viable investors to reposition boxing in all its ramifications.
“Even the amateur boxing is still at a beginner level; when all this is addressed, then we can talk of professional boxing but for now that area remains fallow,’’ he said.