It was an afternoon of fists and feast last Sunday, 11th April 2021 as sixteen Boxing Coaches in Ibadan, Oyo state trades punches in bout tagged “Who Owns The Ring?”at Sam Ade hall in NNPC, Apata, Ibadan.
The 16 coaches engaged in a fierce battle in the ring that spurred the fans into surprises and enthusiasm as boxing lovers en route their way to watch boxing artistries by those who teach others to fight. The coaches were members of the Ibadan Boxing Coaches Association who do their businesses in the south west area of Ibadan which mainly include: Apata, Odo-Ona and Omi-Adio.
Those that engaged in the same bouts include Coach Goodluck whose speed; skill and strength were too much for his challenger Coach Azeez to tame in the course of 3 rounds to emerge victorious. Also coach Ademola took control of his fight against Coach Mega to emerge winner.
In the fight between Coach Atere and Coach Ultimate, the former gave several close in on his challenger, dismantling apart his guard to land his lead right and southpaw cross while Coach Omiwon put on a dramatic fashion dancing to the tune of disc jockey during his fight against Coach Raszaq. His long hands were difficult for his challenger to put on hold.
For Coach Alubarika he defeated Coach Dekunle; Coach Beejay outclassed Coach Eleshin while Coach John King overpowered Coach David. And Coach Kabiru won Coach Enialemu.
However, young ones were allowed to fight and fans restlessness were witnessed as they gave the security outfit tough time and at a corner, some puffed the air with hemps which made the place uncomfortable for others.
Enthused by the fights, the guest, Hon. Rasak Olubodun said there is need for government to support the effort of the organizer who pulled resources to ensure that the event holds.
“Believe I will tell you that I am quite amaze, I am surprised and encouraged and a little bit motivated because of what I have seen today. You can see that how people can do wonders but the problem we have is that most often we don’t the support of people in government.
“This kind of thing needs a lot of support from government. This kind of effort is good particularly at the grass root. With catch them young syndrome, you can easily bring those kinds of boys young. If you can introduce the younger ones in this kind of thing, they wouldn’t go into stealing and kidnapping.” He said.
Speaking with the organizer, Mr Isaiah Goodluck Lucky , he said the fight was aimed at raising revenue to establish a standard drilling center in Ibadan South west axis.
“I am a situation where by boxing in Apata, odo-ona, Omi-Adio most especially South West go to higher level. We need a standard drilling in Apata, that is why I an organized this fight to gather money to have it.
“We have achieved 50 percent; I know by God grace, things will be all right. By God grace, what we have done will promote the young ones. There is need for government support.”