The President of the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBB of C), Dr. Rafiu Ladipo, has said the board has revitalised professional boxing in Nigeria, stressing that the sport has experienced significant growth and improved welfare for boxers since his administration took office.

Ladipo stated that Nigerian boxers now earn better purses, sometimes paid in foreign currency, a development he said has helped many fighters improve their living standards and support their families.

“You will agree with me that before the emergence of the current NBB of C leadership, professional boxing in Nigeria was nothing to write home about,” he said. “Many boxers lived in poverty, but that narrative has changed. Today, boxers earn good money and some have even become employers of labour.”

He assured stakeholders that the board would continue to increase fighters’ earnings and further improve conditions in the sport. Ladipo, who also serves as President-General of the Nigeria Football Supporters Club, attributed the board’s achievements to the conducive environment created for promoters and the strong working relationship among board members.

He particularly commended the Secretary-General of the board, Remi Aboderin, for his dedication and commitment to advancing boxing in the country.

Highlighting achievements under his leadership, Ladipo disclosed that 85 professional bouts have been organised so far, with events held not only in Lagos but also in cities such as Abeokuta, Ibadan, Benin City, Enugu, Awka, Abuja and Aba.

“In recent months, we have averaged at least two fights every month. Due to the structures we have put in place, European promoters now see Nigeria as the only African country where their boxers can fight and earn good money. We intend to sustain this momentum,” he said.

Ladipo also offered prayers for the speedy recovery of former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua, who was recently involved in a serious road accident along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway.

In his remarks, the board’s Secretary-General and President of the West African Boxing Union (WABU), Remi Aboderin, reaffirmed the commitment of the NBB of C to ensuring that more Nigerian boxers gain international rankings. He added that the board plans to organise more tournaments and continue creating an enabling environment that will attract promoters and grow the sport further.