‘Disregard Falsehood’ — Edun Rejects NBBofC Endorsement Report

‘Disregard Falsehood’ — Edun Rejects NBBofC Endorsement Report

By Our Reporter 

The President of the Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF), Hon. Wale Edun, has dismissed reports suggesting that he has reaffirmed the defunct Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBBofC) as Nigeria’s professional boxing authority, BSNSports.com.ng reports. 

Edun described the publication, attributed to former NBBofC General Secretary Remi Aboderin and his associates, as false and misleading, warning that any further attempt to associate him with such a position could result in legal action.

In a statement issued on Sunday by the NBF Director of Communications, Mathew Okugbe, the federation president urged members of the public to disregard what he described as an attempt to misrepresent his position on the administration of professional boxing in Nigeria.

Edun said his recent interaction with Aboderin, former NBBofC chairman Rafiu Ladipo and their associates was aimed at finding a solution to their concerns with international professional boxing authorities, rather than endorsing the activities of the defunct body.

According to him, the group met with him at the All of Fame Gym in Lagos to discuss their issues and possible ways of resolving them through collaboration with the NBF.

“They met with me at the All of Fame Gym in Lagos to discuss their issues with the international professional boxing authorities and how they could be resolved through collaboration with the NBF. I referred them to the arm of the federation responsible for professional boxing in the country, NBF-Pro,” Edun said.

He further alleged that attempts by Aboderin and others to portray the meeting as an endorsement of the former NBBofC were deliberate and misleading.

Edun warned those involved to desist from what he described as acts of misrepresentation, stressing that any recurrence would be met with legal action.

“What Remi Aboderin and his team have done further validates why the international boxing community has blacklisted their operations,” he said.

The NBF president reiterated his commitment to reforms and the development of boxing in Nigeria, including the professional arm of the sport.

Meanwhile, NBF Vice President Hon. Omonlei Imadu commended Edun for what he described as visionary leadership and ongoing reforms within Nigerian boxing.

Imadu said the president’s support had contributed significantly to the progress recorded by the federation, expressing confidence that the sport would continue to develop under Edun’s leadership.

“I must commend the president for his vision for holistic boxing development in the country. His continued support has been immensely significant in all we have achieved thus far. I am confident that things will only get better under his leadership,” Imadu said.

The dispute comes amid continuing disagreements over the administration and regulation of professional boxing in Nigeria, with the NBF maintaining that its professional arm, NBF-Pro, is responsible for the development and administration of professional boxing under the federation’s structure.