A board member of the
Lagos State Boxing Hall of Fame (LSBHF) Herbert Orji, has called for private and government investment in boxing to develop the sport in the state.
Orji made the call in an interview with newsmen in Lagos.
He said that investing in boxing would help Lagos State win more laurels in competitions, citing the upcoming 19th National Sports Festival in Calabar, Cross River, in November.
“In fact, to retain the title and win more bouts, I will ask the private sector and some government agencies to come in and increase the resources we use in training boxers.
“These resources range from boots to shorts, shirts, head gear, mouth piece protection, proper feeding, under wears, transportation, making sure that there is availability of coaches and of course the medical support.
“All these are necessary, the talents are there.
“If all these items and support systems are there, the talents will bloom and that would make it possible for Lagos State to capture even more bouts than they did.“
According to Orji, marked improvement has been recorded in the monthly Saturday boxing show since his appointment as a member of the board three years ago.
“When the Hall of Fame came in, the whole idea was not to have government alone promote boxing, but to have private sector support boxing.
“And to have independent clubs come up with their most promising fighters.
“And this event will give them the opportunity to show their talents. There has been a lot of improvement from about three years ago to two years ago and to now.
“As you can see today, some of the people, who box can actually go for international competitions.“