The ancient city of Oyo will shake to its foundation next month as the maiden “Alafin of Oyo United Boxing Championship” holds from October 7th to 15th, 2016 at the Oyo Township Stadium. The boxing tournament is being put together by the Universal Boxing Council, UBC Super Middleweight Championship, Mojeed Okedara.
According to Okedara, the decision of his company, Mojifrican Global Events Management, to accept promotion of the forthcoming Alaafin of Oyo boxing championship was to give a befitting 78th birthday celebration to the foremost Royal Father, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi who has dedicated his life to the promotion of boxing in the country.
The U S A based boxer stated that the nine-day tournament will not only help promote the sports and give opportunity to Nigerian boxers to fight for honours but will help in upholding the tradition, culture and unity of Nigeria.
“We are organising the championship in celebration of a royal father who has dedicated all his life in promoting boxing and he has even promised to enter the ring that day and face a yet to be named opponent whom he intends to beat, to enable him cut a memorable birthday cake” Okedara said.
Boxers from different states including Oyo, Edo. Delta, Osun . Kwara, Ogun, Lagos, Ekiti and Ondo state will be aiming to win some of the belts and trophies lined up for the championship. Okedara stated that the boxing event amongst other objectives will recognize contributions of individuals to development of boxing in Nigeria.
He said “We will also be presenting veteran awards to about 25 individuals, 35 special distinguished boxing awards, medals to 15 special guests of honour as well as belts, trophies and other awards to those who have contributed in one way or the other to develop the pugilist game in the country”.
Reacting to the performance of Nigeria boxer at the just conclude Olympic in Rio, Mojeed lamented poor attitude towards boxing by the government and lack of adequate preparation as major factor for the poor outing at the Olympic.
He however, noted that the more reason a boxing competition like this (Oba Adeyemi United Boxing Tournament) is being put together in order to hunt for fresh talents that will redeem the image of Nigeria in the game of boxing.
