The Nigerian Boxing Board of Control (NBBofC) has unequivocally affirmed its support for its Secretary-General, Remi Aboderin, amidst a swirl of controversy surrounding his concurrent role as President of the West African Boxing Union (WABU). Meeting in Lagos, the NBBofC’s executive board dismissed calls for Aboderin’s removal, issuing a resounding vote of confidence in his leadership and performance. The board’s president, Rafiu Oladipo, clarified that the NBBofC’s endorsement of Aboderin remains unwavering, despite the ongoing dispute between Aboderin and the African Boxing Union (ABU) president, Houcine Houichi. Oladipo emphasized that the internal matters between Aboderin and Houichi should be resolved independently and do not affect Aboderin’s standing within the Nigerian boxing regulatory body. This decisive action by the NBBofC underscores its commitment to maintaining stability and continuity within its leadership structure.
The controversy surrounding Aboderin stems from allegations leveled by the ABU president, Houcine Houichi, which ultimately led to the disbandment of WABU. Houichi accused WABU, under Aboderin’s leadership, of engaging in a range of unethical practices, including blackmail, manipulation, financial misappropriation, and the exploitation of boxers and promoters. These serious accusations created a ripple effect across the African boxing landscape, placing Aboderin’s leadership under intense scrutiny. However, the NBBofC’s vote of confidence suggests that the organization has conducted its own assessment of the situation and found no grounds to warrant Aboderin’s removal from his position within the Nigerian boxing regulatory framework.
Beyond addressing the controversy, the NBBofC meeting also focused on strengthening its operational efficiency and promoting the growth of professional boxing within Nigeria. The board announced the formation of three crucial standing committees: Ratings/Rankings, Disciplinary, and Contract/Verification. These committees, composed of various board members, are tasked with specific responsibilities aimed at enhancing transparency, fairness, and professionalism within the sport. The Ratings/Rankings Committee will ensure the accurate and objective assessment of boxers, while the Disciplinary Committee will address any breaches of conduct, and the Contract/Verification Committee will oversee the legality and fairness of contractual agreements. The establishment of these committees signals a commitment to strengthening the regulatory framework of Nigerian boxing.
The NBBofC also took the opportunity to review the progress of professional boxing in 2024. The board acknowledged significant growth in the sport, attributing this positive trend to a series of innovative boxing shows held across the country. In particular, the board commended the contributions of prominent promoters like Wasiu Alabi of DE LADS Promotions and Ezekiel Adamu of Balmoral Promotions, recognizing their pivotal role in organizing successful events and fostering the growth of boxing talent. This recognition underscores the NBBofC’s appreciation for the collaborative efforts between the regulatory body and promoters in advancing the sport.
To further enhance collaboration and address the evolving needs of the boxing community, the NBBofC announced a strategic shift in its communication and engagement strategies. The board will now hold quarterly meetings with all professional boxing promoters, providing a platform for open dialogue, collaborative problem-solving, and the development of mutually beneficial strategies for the advancement of the sport. This increased engagement with promoters signifies the NBBofC’s commitment to fostering a stronger partnership with key stakeholders in the boxing ecosystem. Furthermore, the NBBofC will increase the frequency of its own executive board meetings from quarterly to monthly, demonstrating a proactive approach to addressing the growing demands and challenges of the sport.
This comprehensive approach, encompassing both internal matters and strategic planning for future growth, highlights the NBBofC’s commitment to ensuring the continued development and success of professional boxing in Nigeria. The vote of confidence in Remi Aboderin, alongside the establishment of new committees and increased engagement with promoters, signals a proactive and forward-thinking approach to navigating the complexities of the sport and solidifying Nigeria’s position within the global boxing landscape. The NBBofC’s actions demonstrate a commitment to building a stronger, more transparent, and more prosperous future for Nigerian boxing.
