The President Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBB of C) Dr. Rafiu Ladipo was thrilled by the passion exhibited by Ibadan based businessman Ayo Olaniyi who just acquired a professional promotional license.
Dr. Ladipo, who presented the NBB of C certificate to the CEO of Extreme Boxing Promotion in his office in Lagos yesterday, described the 39-year-old promoter as a Nigerian Don King in the making, just as pledged to assist him realize his dreams in the game.
“You came at the right time as a young promoter into Nigerian boxing family, particularly now that we’re looking for young boxers that will make the country proud. We believe that young promoters like you will assist us in getting these talents.
“With the cooperation of the Board and other Nigerians, it is possible considering this deep passion you have for the sport,” Ladipo noted.
He added: “Boxing is a big business, but it is very unfortunate that here in Nigeria we don’t take it as such, but I do know that with the coming of people like you, boxing in Nigeria will come back to its position of pride.”
The promoter, who is popularly known as Iyanda Ibadan, thanked the NBB of C, just as he assured to assist budding talents in the country realize their dreams.
“We want to make boxing as important and popular as football. So I want to use my young age to attract young boxers and as well show them that they can make ends meet and become influential through the boxing sport.”
The certificate presentation was done in the presence of the secretary of the body Mr. Remi Aboderin, while another new promoter from Ibadan, Baron Golden Gloves Promotion, also received his promotional licence.