Two Nigerian boxers sanctioned for violent conduct

The Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBB of C) has taken disciplinary action against two boxers, Sikiru Shogbesan and Rasheed Adeyemi, for their unruly behaviour at a recent event.

Shogbesan, the National Super Featherweight Champion, received a six-month suspension and a N30,000 fine for inciting his fans to vandalise the venue.

In addition, he was told to keep his wife away from ringside because of her emotional behaviour, which the board deemed harmful to his career.

After being granted permission to challenge Suleiman Jafaru, Adeyemi, an unbeaten super welterweight contender, was asked to pay a reduced sum of N35,000 to replace a DJ’s microphone that he damaged during a scuffle.

The NBB of C gave both boxers two weeks to pay their fines and warned them not to engage in such behaviour again or face far harsher consequences.

The NBB of C President, Rafiu Oladipo, urged boxers and their officials to act professionally both in and out of the ring, stating that the board will no longer tolerate any acts of indiscipline from licensed fighters.

Oladipo stressed the importance of promoting a positive image of the sport to encourage promoters and fans to continue supporting it.

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“We are taking pro boxing to new heights in the country, and so we will no longer condone any untoward behavior by the pugilists or their handlers,” Oladipo reiterated.

“We are now having shows regularly, almost on a bimonthly and quarterly basis, thanks to our promoters who believe in us, and so every boxer must fall in line in order not to discourage both the old and new promoters from the noble sport.”