Promoter Seeks Private Sector Investment In Boxing

A professional boxing
promoter, Onyeka Elum, yesterday appealed to private companies to invest in the sport through sponsorships.
Elum told newsmen in Lagos that though the combative nature of the sport had made it difficult for sponsors to invest in it, companies stood the chance of making returns from sponsorship.
“What we are lacking now is sponsorship from the private sector and you know that professional boxing is not about government sponsorship but private sector sponsorship; so we need more companies to come in and sponsor it.
“Every promoter and manager is on deck trying to seek sponsorship and endorsement; it’s not about sponsorship this time it’s about endorsement for management.
“But the truth is that most organisations dread professional boxing because they feel it’s an aggressive sport; so investing in it is a bit difficult.
“Apart from seeing it as an aggressive sport, the public don’t really like boxing; so it’s a bit difficult for you investing in it and getting returns from the public.
“And basically where you invest you have to get a return.“
The promoter said investing in the sport would go a long way to encourage professional boxers.