Young boxers thrill crowd at GOtv Boxing NextGen Search 3

By Our Reporter

SELECTORS and members of the audience at GOtv Boxing NextGen Search 3 have been delighted by the showing of young boxers participating in the programme.

The event, holding at Walan Hotel (formerly D'Rovans) in Ibadan, was formally declared open on Friday.  

Boxers doing their registration

            

GOtv Boxing NextGen Search 3, which has attracted about 300 boxers, said selectors, has provided an indication that the future of Nigerian boxing is bright.

Among the selectors at the programme are Coaches Joe Mensah, Jerry Okorodudu and Obisia Nwakpa. They described the standard of boxing exhibited by the youngsters as impressive. Boxers attended the event from as far as Jos, Plateau State.

Cross section of the fans

Speaking at a press conference during the opening ceremony on Friday, Chief Executive Officer, Flykite Productions, Jenkins Alumona said the programme is aimed at identifying budding boxers with latent skills ready to be honed and groomed to stardom.

Coach Joe Mensah, while commending the sponsors and the organisers assured that there will not be favouritism in the selection of boxers.

L-R: Jennifer Ukoh, Public Relations Manager, GOtv; Jenkins Alumona, Chief Executive Officer, Flykite Productions and Remi Aboderin, Secretary General, Nigeria Boxing Board of Control and Head Coach, Joe Mensa during the opening ceremony of the 3rd edition of GOtv Next Gen Search held at Wallan Hotel, Ring Road, Ibadan on Friday 17 November, 2017.

“The turnout was very encouraging but the only thing is that we have more of novice than good boxers," Mensah begins.

"We would try and spot the potentials among them and try to influence the GOtv and Flykite to give them a formal training to go into professional boxing. But they are still very raw. There is different between professional training and amateur training and that is what we are recommending to GOtv through Flykite. 

“We are looking at certain qualities from the boxers. How brave and talented in terms of techniques and skills. How determined they are because if you are not determined, you cannot enter the ring to fight.

Selectors at the programme includes Coaches Isiaka, Jerry Okorodudu,  Joe Mensah, and Obisia Nwakpa.

“If Mike Tyson became World champion at age 19, you can imagine when he turned pro. We are looking forward to getting the young ones to start boxing in Nigeria. But because of the educational system, boxing is not included in NUGA. Until boxing is included in NUGA, boxing will still be far away from achieving its objective.

Medical team on ground

“In terms of development, I thank GOtv for bringing the GOtv Next Gen Search so that we can discover young boxers and also commend Flykite Productions for their efforts at ensuring that boxing strives in the country,” Mensah said.