A large number of Nigerian professional boxers on Tuesday staged a peaceful protest at the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos, in support of the Nigerian Boxing Board of Control (NBBC).
They called for the board to retain its authority in sanctioning professional boxing activities in the country, rather than the Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF).
The protest, which remained orderly, attracted fighters, trainers, promoters, and other stakeholders from across Nigeria. Participants displayed placards and banners stressing the need to preserve the existing structure that separates amateur and professional boxing governance.
Speaking during the demonstration, some of the boxers, including Taiwo Agbaje, Hamzat Idris, and Chinedu Okeke, reiterated their support for the NBBC.
They were joined by Abiodun Idris Afini, Coordinator of the newly inaugurated Progressive Professional Boxers Association (PPBA), who also addressed the gathering.
Afini noted that the Nigerian Boxing Board of Control has historically overseen professional boxing in Nigeria, handling the licensing of fighters, sanctioning of bouts, and enforcement of safety standards within the sport.
The protesters argued that the Nigeria Boxing Federation traditionally regulates amateur boxing and Olympic-related activities, warning that any attempt to merge or transfer professional boxing responsibilities could create administrative confusion and disrupt the sport.
They also raised concerns about their careers, welfare, rankings, and international recognition, emphasizing that professional boxing operates under distinct global regulations.
According to them, maintaining the NBBC as the professional regulatory body aligns Nigeria with international best practices.
Some stakeholders called on the Federal Ministry of Sports to intervene and clearly define the roles of both bodies to prevent further disputes that could hinder the development of boxing in Nigeria.
Security personnel were present at the venue to ensure order, but the protest ended peacefully without any reported incidents. The development underscores ongoing tensions within Nigeria’s boxing administration, as stakeholders continue to debate the appropriate authority for professional boxing in the country.
