Nigerian punching prodigy taking a swing at stardom

According to Coach Tipo, boxing in Nigeria is next to soccer in terms of popularity. However, unlike soccer, the boxing culture in the west African country is not well-developed, with promising fighters usually lacking the necessary support to take the next step up in their careers.

He said although several Nigeria-born boxers－such as two-time unified world heavyweight champion Joshua－have earned fame internationally or regionally, few of them were "made in Nigeria by Nigeria".

Adegbite said a major challenge facing grassroots boxing clubs like his Tipo Boxing Academy, which was founded about nine years ago, is that they often lack proper boxing equipment and sometimes conduct training outdoors.

Adegbite said he continues to persevere with coaching at his academy because of his passion for boxing. However, he has no sponsors and some of his trainees are unable to afford his tutelage.

"If I say that I want to charge some money and you bring your boy that has the talent and is willing to learn. If I tell him to bring money and he couldn't afford it, he will just keep the talent at home," Adegbite said.

"These kids don't even have enough money to eat."

He added that greater investment is needed in Nigerian boxing in anticipation of a brighter and rewarding future for the sport in the west African nation.

Xinhua