Inspired by how children are
now embracing boxing, a coach, Aboyomi Oyewole, has urged the Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF) and the private sector to stake their money in promoting the sport.
Oyewole told newsmen yesterday in Lagos that if concerted efforts were made to catch them young for the sport, the country’s woes in international competitions would be stemmed.
He said that it was unfortunate that Nigeria which had produced renowned world greats like professional Middleweight boxer, Dick Tiger, born Richard Ihetu in Ubahu Village in Amaigbo, Imo state.
In 1962, Dick Tiger won the world middleweight boxing championship.
Another boxer is Policeman, Samuel Peter, a professional boxer who held the WBC Heavyweight title in 2008.
He rose to prominence in his early professional career following a string of knockout wins.
Other boxers who had done the country proud in boxing include Isaac Ikhuoria, a retired  light-heavyweight boxer who won a bronze medal at the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, Germany.
Also, Obisia Nwankpa, a light/light welterweight boxer of the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s who won Nigeria lightweight title, African Boxing Union Light Welterweight title and Jeremiah Okorodudu, an Olympian and former African light weight champion.
Oyewole said that it was becoming common in the country to spot children gather to do boxing during and after school hours just as football.
He said that the development spurred him to enrol for his Higher Diploma in Coaching at the National Institute for Sports (NISport), Lagos which he had completed in the 2015/2016 batch.
“I did it to update my knowledge about the sport and be able to contribute to developing young talents at the grassroots,’’ the Bornu State Boxing Association coach said.
“I observed that boxing was no longer vibrant but that lately, young boys gather themselves after school hours to engage in the sport.
“I was equally amazed by what they were doing and was inspired to groom them because they need to learn the fundamentals of boxing to become world beaters.
“Usually, it’s either football or other ball games that children give priority to, but in recent times, I noticed that some young boys have separated themselves from these prominent sports for boxing.
“I took my time to observe them and noticed that they really want to become boxers but don’t know the fundamentals that can channel them to achieve their ambition,’’ Oyewole said.
“It then occurred to me that I must make extra effort to upgrade my coaching skills and be acquainted with the current techniques to identify these young boxers.
“I feel fulfilled because the time I spent in the institute has given me the opportunity to get complete knowledge of the latest boxing rules and how to relate with the young boxers.
“I have a full package now which I will take home for guidance in preparing a comprehensive programme to train these crop of upcoming boxers,’’ Oyewole said.
He pleaded with the NBF to give more attention to amateur boxing competitions to create an enabling atmosphere for amateur boxers to exhibit their skills and get discovered.