The group managing director/CEO of Honeypooh Nigeria Limited, Mr Adelokun Lawal is making a strong case for sponsorship of boxing in the country, and says corporate bodies need to show deep interest in the sport.
Read Also: 3SC Honour ICP With Most Efficient Youth Supporters Award
Lawal admitted that many people consider boxing to be brutal, hence a stigma of violence attached to it, but he insists it is as easy, safe, exciting and lucrative as any other sport.
The boxing connoisseur, who disclosed that he still trains in the roped square every weekend, added that the true value of boxing can be seen in recent exploits of Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk, as well as the legendary Muhammad Ali before them.
However, Lawal, who is also the director of both P4P Entertainment and Honeypooh Catering Services, conceded that his decision to sponsor boxing is mostly due to his love for combat sports.
He reasoned further that, aside the fact that he personally took part in judo and taekwondo as an undergraduate, many other Nigerians also love combat sports, hence his verdict that corporate bodies across the country should key into it.
Lawal added, “We, Nigerians, are combat people. I also personally have a spring in combat sports.
“I represented my institution at the Nigeria University Games (NUGA), and I competed in judo. I have also done taekwondo, and I’ve done wrestling; but I kind of love boxing more.
“It’s a passion for me. I can stay up all through the night watching boxing every time there’s a live event.
“I’ve followed it from the days of Muhammad Ali, down to Mike Tyson, up till now with AJ, Tyson Fury, and Usyk. I follow boxing in all weight divisions.”
The amiable businessman then hazarded a suggestion on what can be done to get corporate bodies involved in sponsorship of boxing in Nigeria, but admitted it will not be an easy task.
Lawal rationalised further, saying: “Getting corporate bodies to sponsor boxing has to be a painstaking effort, because there’s a stigma around it.
“People have a kind of fear about boxing as fighting, but it is only a sport … just like football.
“People sometimes die on a football field, and players get injuries, but a boxing bout can be easily stopped if a boxer is incapacitated.
“That’s why don’t understand why a stigma is still attached to boxing in Nigeria. Personally, I train in boxing every Saturday and Sunday. One of the boxers that I promote is my coach.
“In fact, if possible, once I’m fit enough, I want to compete in an exhibition fight in December. You should then consider that, with my level, and that I’m still generating so much interest in boxing, there should not be any reason for a stigma.”
The boxing zealot concluded with a philosophical look at the amount of money a boxer can make for himself and his family, then scolded people who hate the sport but love its benefits.
“The moment money comes, people start loving boxing; but it doesn’t come overnight. It’s not a ritual. There must be a process, and you must sacrifice a lot of effort and time.
“Sadly, the stigma has not allowed corporate people to buy into sponsorship of boxing. I use this opportunity to call them in, because I and some other people have bought into it.
“This (Chaos In Lagos boxing bouts on Sunday, July 21st) is about the fourth show we are promoting. It’s just the interest.
“I have medals, championship belts, boxing gloves, photographs, many things to show my love for boxing. It’s all about passion and interest.
“If someone is ready to promote basketball or football, why not boxing?” Lawal concluded rhetorically.
