Renowned Nigerian boxer Bashiru Ali, popularly known as Bash Ali, has called on President Bola Tinubu to re-inaugurate the Bash Ali Boxing Project Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the Guinness World Records Boxing bout.
Speaking to the press in Abuja on Thursday, Ali expressed frustration over alleged corruption within past government officials that had stalled the event.
He said the 12-round bout would mark the first Guinness World Records Boxing Championship fight to be held on African soil.
Ali emphasised the event’s potential to bring significant economic benefits to Nigeria.
At 69 years old, the former World Boxing Federation (WBF) cruiserweight titleholder, who won his title in 1985, highlighted that while the event was private sector-driven, it required government support to become a reality.
He stressed that all previous Guinness World Records Boxing Championship fights had been held in the U.S., making the event in Nigeria a groundbreaking opportunity.
Ali revealed that 132 countries were expected to participate in the event, and the Federal Government had already written to the World Boxing Body to guarantee the safety of its members in Nigeria.
He also mentioned that the National Sports Commission would follow up to ensure timely payment of approval fees domiciled at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) by the private sector.
Ali said that for 19 years, he had faced obstacles from corrupt government officials in his pursuit of hosting the world championship fight.
He urged President Tinubu to use his office to remove these barriers and ensure the fight finally took place.
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“In the spirit of the Renewed Hope Agenda, I am respectfully asking for the immediate re-inauguration of the Bash Ali Boxing Project LOC by Mr President.
“With the re-inauguration, all the unnecessary obstacles caused by corruption would be knocked out, so this historic fight can hold in our great country, Nigeria,” he said.
Ali explained that the LOC had been inaugurated in 2006, 2014, and 2019 by previous administrations but faced setbacks due to corruption.
He called on President Tinubu to investigate the matter and hold accountable any officials found guilty of extortion.
The pugilist also confirmed that he had been medically cleared and was ready to face his opponent, Andy Ruiz Jr., once all arrangements were finalised
Ali, known for his powerful punches and aggressive style, vowed to continue fighting against corruption in the system while pushing for the world title fight, which he believed would bring global recognition to Nigeria.
He also urged Nigerians to support his mission to put Nigeria back on the global boxing map.
Earlier, Dickson Oshin, National President, Bash Ali Fan Club noted that President Bola Tinubu had promised to help make the fight a reality.
“I am using this opportunity to remind Mr President of the promise he made to us during his election campaign when we met with him in Ekiti.
“He promised us that he would ensure that the historic Guinness World Record Boxing Championship fight holds in Nigeria.
“I am therefore pleading again with President Tinubu to help us make this event a reality,” he said. (NAN)
