BPAN leaders highlight gains of ABU Convention
As the African Boxing Union (ABU) convention that began since Monday 18 August is rounding up this weekend in Kampala, the capital city of Uganda, the leaders of Boxing Promoters Association of Nigeria (BPAN), Hon. Omonlei Yakubu Imadu, Chairman and CEO of Yucateco Boxing Promotions, and his vice, Alhaji Wasiu Alabi Waheed, the CEO of D’Lad Boxing Promotions have highlighted the positive impact their attendance will have on the Nigerian boxing.
Speaking through the spokesperson of BPAN, Edna Bola Aiyegbeni, the Yucateco boss described his experience as a major milestone in the development of boxing expressing satisfaction with every bit of the program.
“I am pleased to say that the ABU convention was really impactful and will make our job more easier based on all we have been able to achieve here. From the reception to feeding, accommodation, venue and every other logistics are topnotch.
“Apart from seminars and workshops for ring officials and judges, promoters and managers where taken into new technique aided with information technology that is now being used.
“The convention also availed us opportunity of meeting stakeholders and big players in the global boxing circle, and many ideas that will aid the development of boxing in Nigeria was discussed,” said BPAN President.
He added: “Dispute resolution and sports arbitration were extensively treated and we know this will in a long way alleviate the issues we used to experience as regards boxer’s contracts compensation for training and solidarity mechanism, disputes between boxers and agents/intermediaries.”
“We are also happy with the introduction of junior African Boxing Union title belt that was launched here during the convention. This belt which was newly introduced for boxers within the ages of 18 to 23 by ABU will positively expose our young boxers into continental experience.” Said the Yucateco boss.
Speaking in the same vein, Alhaji Wasiu Alabi Waheed, the CEO of D’Lad Boxing Promotions and vice president of BPAN said he was delighted about his experience during the Uganda boxing convention; saying he had been better informed as a boxing gym owner and promoter.
“Am particularly delighted about the newly introduced ABU title belt, as you all know that we have lots of young lads in the D’Lads Boxing Club. I can say that every time spent here was quite worthwhile.”
“I can’t wait to put into use all new boxing administrative technicalities I have learned here into practice, hence we are going to share most of the new knowledge we have acquired here with other members of Boxing Promoters Association of Nigeria upon our return.”
D’Lad boss however, commended the government of Uganda for throwing their weight behind the event, urging Nigerian government to emulate such good gesture towards sports, especially boxing that first put the name of our country on a global map.
“BPAN as a body will soon look into having a refresher workshop for members, because if not for distance and high cost of air travel, more of our members especially our trainers could have been sponsored to be here by boxing clubs owners,” said BPAN Vice President.
