Boxing Debuts In NUGA As FISU, IBA Collaborate To Develop Sport In Universities

IKPO IGBINOBA with additional reports from agency

Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF) will record a landmark feat in March when amateur boxing makes its debut in the Nigeria University Games Association(NUGA) Games.

The 26th edition of the  NUGA Games will take place in the University of Lagos, Akoka between March 16 and 27.

Sequel to a presentation made by the NBF in December, the NUGA accepted  boxing to feature as a demonstration event during the Games.

Though, amateur boxing is new on the schedule of NUGA, response from the universities has been very encouraging.

Coordinator of the boxing event in the NUGA Games, Babatunde Laguda told P.M. EXPRESS that over fourteen universities were ready to box during the Games.

Laguda who is also a board member of the NBF said many students were interested in boxing and ready to make history during the NUGA Games.

“The response of the students and the universities has been very encouraging”, he said excitedly.

Laguda said over fourteen universities have registered to feature in the boxing event.

“As at this moment, students from over fourteen universities have shown interest in the boxing event and they include female boxers”

The coordinator noted that there could not have been a more auspicious time than now to introduce boxing to the universities.

According to him “Boxing has been a regular feature in World University Games organised by the International University Sports Federation (FISU).

“In fact, FISU is expanding the scope of boxing in campuses and at competitions. 

“I believe we have to be part of the global trend because there are a lot of talents in our universities”.

Meanwhile, the International University Sports Federation (FISU) Acting President Leonz Eder and International Вохing Association (IBA) President, Umar Kremlev have signed a collaboration convention, promising to further develop boxing on campuses and at competitions for university athletes.

The main points of the convention include the development of both university sport and boxing, joint educational initiatives, as well as the promotion and development of shared values including gender equality, sustainability, fair play and integrity. 

Plans for collaboration include IBA’s  support of  the FISU World University Games and FISU University World Cups making them even more important to athletes aiming for success at major international multi-sport competitions. 

“We look forward to what I believe to be a truly mutually beneficial cooperation between IBA and FISU,” said IBA President Umar Kremlev. 

“Together we will work to further instil fundamental values of boxing across the sports world as well as the younger generation of student athletes. 

Through joint education programmes we intend to learn and exchange vital knowledge from and with FISU.”

Since 2004, FISU has organised the FISU World University Championship Boxing every two years. 

Boxing will also be a part of the 2022 FISU University World Cup Combat Sports. 

The FISU University World Cup Combat Sports is a new competition that will feature six sports: boxing, karate, muaythai, sambo, wres