US-based welterweight boxing champ Gifted Cole Chiori will today teach the youths of Festac Town, Ajegunle and Olodi Apapa the rudiments of amateur boxing as he begins a special programme of developing the sport in Nigeria.
Chiori, who started his amateur boxing career in Festac before turning, is worried that there has been a systematic neglect of boxing over the years in favour of other sports.
He said, “We have sporting clinics for other sports, and none for boxing. This is a sport that actually launched Nigeria on the world sports map. Since I have been able to make a decent living through boxing, I intend to encourage the youths of these areas to live decently through boxing.
“The young boxers need mentors to assist them in gaining confidence and international exposures.”
The amateur boxing clinic, which will be supervised by Bert Sugar Boxing promotions of America and B.O.S.S. promotions of Germany , is scheduled to hold at the Federal Housing Authority field in Festac Town from 9:00 am.
According to him, the youths with flair for boxing in the area have indicated interest in participating in the event which he described as the beginning of new things for the sport in Nigeria .