Nigeria’s new national light heavyweight boxing champion, Adewale “Masevex” Masebinu has called on corporate bodies and government at all levels in the country to do more in promotion of the pugilists’ sport.
The Ikere Ekiti-born pugilist also appealed to Nigerian personalities to give financial support to professional and amateur boxers in their quest to create names for themselves and bring honour to the country.
Speaking on state of sports in Ekiti State, sports247.ng can report that Masebinu also advised the new governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi to give a lot of attention to sports development in the state.
Masebinu noted that there are so many talented youth, who are willing to take up boxing as a profession in the state but are getting discouraged because of lack of basic training facilities and financial support.
He made the call in Ado Ekiti, while showcasing his belt and medal to fans and journalists upon his return from Lagos after the contest.
The History and International Studies graduate of Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado Ekiti, beat Kabiru “KB Godson” Towolawi to clinch the title.
He Knocked out Towolawi in the sixth round of their scheduled twelve round bout at Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos on October 14.
Masebinu, who started boxing in 2005 and turned a professional in 2015 said: “I am the current national light heavyweight champion in Nigeria. I am the first medal winner in boxing and professional boxer in Ekiti State.
“I am here to present the belt to Governor Fayemi, that an Ekiti born boxer has won a national title. I want our Governor to please encourage sportsmen and women in the state in this dispensation.
“My focus is to win the WBA, WBO and IBF and bring honour to Ekiti and Nigeria. Boxing is not meant for tout, I want government to encourage upcoming boxers and develop the sport in the country.
“We want government to be supporting them by giving them allowances and render assistance where necessary. We have talents in the state that can make the state proud locally and internationally.”
