Professionalism, discipline takes centre stage at Lagos boxing seminar

By Ifeanyi Eduzor
Boxing stakeholders including coaches, managers, promoters and retired boxers have advised the country’s pugilists in the paid ranks to be more professional in the trade and make discipline their watchword in order to progress in the sports and become world beaters.
They stated this in the various papers they presented at the just concluded one day seminar organised by the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBB of C) and held at the Brai Ayonote Boxing Gym of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.
In his welcome address President of NBB of C, Dr. Rafiu Oladipo said the seminar became necessary in order to revive the game that gave a befitting and positive image to the country but suddenly started dwindling but was quick to add that he’s happy that the present board under his watch are now working relentlessly to improve the game and that the seminar is aimed at educating them on the ethics of the profession so that they’ll be at par with other boxers around the world.
Speaking on ethics of the profession, he advised boxers to listen to their coaches and their managers, practice what they tell them, stay focused and avoid wasteful life. He also reminded them on the need to caution their supporters whenever they lose a fight because no promoter will like to invest his money on an indisciplined fighter.
On boxing rules, General Secretary of the body, Remi Aboderin took time to explain some simple rules to the boxers and the importance of them not moving up in weight when they are not satisfied to be in that weight category just as he also explained the role of promotion and sponsorship in boxing.
Former champion, Segun Ajose in his paper, spoke on the relationship between coaches, managers and boxers. He explained that while the boxers must respect their coaches, the handlers must also reciprocate that gesture because two of them must work harmoniously to achieve result.
He also advised them against taking some locally made drinks which might unknown to them contain some banned substances even as he advised them to control their sexual lives before any fight.
Also speaking Dr. Tajudeen Sule took the boxers on boxing and medical health, advising them to watch what they eat and avoid performance enhancing drugs. He was of the opinion that boxers and their coaches must have regular information on banned substances so that the fighter will not fall victim to doping.
On refereeing and judges the resource person, Segun Adesanya took time to explain to the boxers what they’re supposed to do in the ring advising them not to be discouraged when they lose a fight as there is always another day to redeem their pride and image