NBB of C secretary-general Remi Aboderin says boxing takes grit

Nigerian Boxing Board of Control secretary-general Remi Aboderin says boxing is a sport for resilient people because participants must withstand punches to the head and body. The veteran administrator made the point while marking his 60th birthday.

Aboderin, who also serves as president of the West African Boxing Union, received a courtesy visit from the Progressive Professional Boxers Association of Nigeria. The delegation presented him with a birthday gift and celebrated his contribution to professional boxing in the country.

PPBAN president Idris Afini said the association attended both to honour Aboderin and to recognise the work he has done since taking responsibility within Nigerian professional boxing. Afini contrasted the sport’s position before Aboderin’s tenure with the progress achieved during his time in administration.

The delegation included PPBAN vice-president Obinna Mathew, general secretary Sikiru Sogbesan, assistant general secretary Hamza Idris and treasurer Samuel Opaogun. The group also expressed confidence in the future of the sport under NBB of C president Rafiu Oladipo.

The boxers’ association said it was prepared to support reforms aimed at improving the health, welfare and earnings of professional boxers. Its representatives also encouraged Aboderin to continue his work and said the professional boxing community supported the NBB of C.

Aboderin said the visit and the gift were deeply meaningful to him. He added that boxing had taught him to confront challenges directly and persist until they were overcome. In reflecting on his career and the sport, he said difficult periods eventually pass, while determined people endure, and argued that boxing’s description as the gentleman’s sport should not obscure the toughness required to take part.

He said the obstacles facing boxing could be overcome through divine assistance and unity within the sport. Aboderin also pledged to continue contributing to the development of Nigerian boxing after decades as one of its prominent administrators.