Nigerian Boxers Need Support - Ajose

Nigerian Ex World Boxing Title Challenger, Olusegun Ajose has advocated for the support of the nations boxers so that they could compete at the highest international stage.

The United Kingdom (UK) based-boxer told newsmen in Lagos today that due to lack the necessary support and adequate preparations, the nations boxers have been terrible at the world championships.

“Despite our passion for the country, there is little we can do at the world stage because without the necessary financial support and adequate preparations to win world championships. “The stake is very high at that level; it requires more than passion and love for the country’s boxers to win the world championship and make the nation proud,’’ Ajose said.

He said that Nigeria has the talent but lack financial backing to challenge on the world stage.

He said that the sport could be used to project the image of the nation in a better light.

He said that Nigeria has a long and proud history of boxing, “with the many benefits the sport can offer the country in terms of self-discipline and health for the youth.

“It is hoped that President Muhammadu Buhari will support the initiative to deliver the country into a new era of World Champions,’’ Ajose said.

The former boxer advocated for a better plan for the developement and support of boxers in the nation. “The aim is to make Nigerian boxers World Champions in the next 18 months. “The specific aim is to ensure that the country’s world champions kick-start a sporting legacy for the youth of Nigeria, which the whole country can be proud of.
“It will engender national unity and bring sporting glory to the country, whilst also improving the country’s image internationally,’’ Ajose said.

Ajose Olusegun is a Nigerian born British professional boxer. He won a gold medal at the 1999 All-Africa Games in the light welterweight category. He competed for Nigeria at the 2000 Sydney Olympics Games reaching the 2nd round.