The success of the British-born Nigerian world heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua has started to have positive impact on the minds of Nigerian youths who now consider boxing as a serious vocation that can lead them to fortunes.
This was the observation of the Chairman of Oyo State Amateur Boxing Association (OSABA) Chief Baron Akintunde Opaleye while congratulating Anthony Joshua after beating Joseph Parker on points to add WBO world heavyweight title to his numerous laurels.
“I believe Anthony Joshua is having positive impact on our youths as many are approaching us to join our boxing academy, even parents are bringing their wards for us to train them in the art of boxing even if only for self defence”, Chief Opaleye noted.
Oyo boxing body had established a boxing academy, which was named after the late foremost boxing promoter, Chief Francis Aiyegbeni for interested parents who desire the money spinning sport for their kids.
Opaleye said the idea is to encourage the public and correct the negative notion that always ascribed to the boxing sport in this part of our world, as a game good only for the ruffians and now Joshua is a good example to market the idea.
“The recent success of Nigerian born British boxer, Anthony Joshua has increased the interest in boxing sports in the minds of many Nigerians, we can testify to that, hence we are re-launching the boxing academy, and the idea has received nods from notable boxing stakeholders”, the OSABA boss enthused.
Packaged by Olanrewaju Agiri
