By Jacob Ajom

The Legends Ring Return Fight Night held penultimate Saturday was, by all standards, a fresh breath to the Nigerian boxing scene. Chief Executive Officer of New Era Promotions, Brigadier-General Idowu Lamina Akinlawon(rtd) had, before the event told this reporter that they planned to make their maiden promotion special. “We want this promotion to be of the highest standard,” he promised. To a large extent they delivered.

The setting at the Shalom Park and Events Centre, along Iba-Iyana Ipaja Road, was electrifying. A boxing ring was mounted in the middle of the open square within the Park. With the touch of internal decorators, the place was colourfully made for the right optics. Early comers were treated to snacks and drinks, while they waited for the commencement of fights. Outside the arena, boxing fans milled around purchasing tickets and boasting about the chances of their idols on the night. The quiet Lagos suburb of Igando, in Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos state had never witnessed anything close to that in their vicinity. It was a new era for local boxing talents to show the world the stuff they are made of.

There were 12 bouts in different weight categories and the much anticipated Bash Ali/Bob Alagoro fight was an anticlimax as the two boxers ended up shadowboxing for 30 agonising minutes.

“We didn’t bring them here to come throw punches at each other. They are here to teach the young ones how to do it, to inspire the younger ones so that they can aspire to be like them,” the New Era boss said.

Bash Ali threw more light on why they couldn’t fight each other. “I am almost a heavyweight. I can’t fight Bob in the light weight. It is not done as I am far bigger than Bob. I wouldn’t want to embarrass him in his locality.”

Akinlawon also spoke on how boxing promoters in the country want to swing the overwhelming love for football among Nigerians to boxing.

“I can assure you that in the nearest future, boxing will compete favourably with football or likely to take over from football as the most loved sport of the masses. We are moving there.”

He continued, “we, boxing promoters want to use the sport as a means of empowering the youth. We have a lot of skilful youths in our community who only need a platform to express themselves and make life more meaningful for them and their families. They only need someone to give them a direction. They are agile, they are vibrant and they are good to go. They love boxing. They need someone to guide them. That is why we are here.”