De Lads boss state reasons for promoting amateur boxing
Chief Executive Officer of De Lads Boxing Promotions, Alhaji Waheed Wasiu Alabi says that his reasons for holding amateur boxing alongside professional fights is to build confidence on the upcoming fighters as well as develop the pugilist game at the grassroots.
It’s on record that since the Season one of his boxing show up to the Season 8 held Sunday, 30, June, 2024, at the Gymnasium Hall of the National Institute For Sports ( NIS), National Stadium, Lagos, De Lads Promotions have been holding amateur boxing alongside the paid ranks.
Not only do these young boxers showcase their talents but the overall best male and female boxers amongst them goes home with cash reward and trophies. And the recently concluded edition was no exception as Farouq Taofeek of Calisto Boxing Club Ajegunle and Aina Adekiwonsa of Hard Punch Boxing Club, Lagos Island were adjudged as the best male and female boxers of the tournament that attracted about 22 boxers.
The two pugilists were not only given certificates and medals like other participants but they each went home with a cash prizes and a trophy which Alhaji Alabi said will serve as motivation to them .
In an interview with newstap.com.ng, Alhaji Alabi noted that the idea has paid off with some boxers discovered in the tournament, representing the country at this year’s African Games in Ghana; saying that he’ll continue to do his best in developing boxers at the grassroots.
“I’m happy with what we’ve achieved in developing boxing at the grassroots. The decision to be organising amateur fights alongside professional bouts is to build confidence on the young pugilists and prepare them adequately for the future.
“I can say that we’re achieving our objective because at the last National Sports Festival, Youth Games and the 13th African Games in Ghana, some of the boxers discovered in the tournament gave a good account of themselves and even won medals and there’ll be no going back in what we’re doing”, he concluded.
