By Joel Ajayi
Veteran boxer Bash Ali has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently re-inaugurate the Bash Ali Boxing Project Local Organizing Committee (LOC), decrying the prolonged delay of his historic Guinness World Record Boxing Championship fight in Nigeria.
Speaking at a press conference held Thursday in Abuja, and through an open letter, Ali lauded President Tinubu’s vision for national development but expressed concern that certain individuals within his administration are actively working against the success of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Nearly two years into the Tinubu administration and after multiple high-level meetings and assurances, Ali said the historic fight remains stalled due to entrenched corruption and administrative sabotage.
He appealed to the President for direct intervention, emphasizing that the re-inauguration of the LOC is crucial to realizing a dream that will bring global recognition, economic growth, and national pride to Nigeria.
> “A Guinness World Record Boxing Championship fight has never been held on African soil—but mine will be the first, and the most lucrative in history,” Ali declared.
According to him, 132 countries have confirmed participation in the event, while over 46,000 fans have committed to purchasing ringside tickets at $500 each, showing the global appetite for the fight.
Ali explained that previous administrations—including those of Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo (2006), Goodluck Jonathan (2014), and Muhammadu Buhari (2019)—had all inaugurated a LOC in partnership with the private sector to fund the event. The Federal Government’s role, he emphasized, was limited to providing an enabling environment.
However, the project has been repeatedly derailed by corruption.
“The Federal Government has already assured international boxing bodies of their safety in Nigeria and the timely release of funds by private investors through the Central Bank of Nigeria,” Ali said. “But once again, corruption has obstructed progress.”
He further disclosed that $12 million had already been advanced through the Office of the Chief of Staff to the President, but alleged that top officials—including a former sports minister and other government appointees—have misappropriated or extorted funds meant for the project. He specifically demanded a full investigation into the alleged misappropriation of over $13 million.
Ali called on President Tinubu to sanction those involved in sabotaging the project and to ensure the return of extorted funds.
“Mr. President, the Federal Government is not expected to spend a kobo—only to provide an enabling environment. In return, Nigeria will gain global honor, financial reward, and historic pride. Help me make this a reality,” he said.
He described the fight as the single biggest sporting event capable of generating immense revenue through pay-per-view sales, global sponsorship, advertising, and tourism, noting that it would be the first Guinness World Record boxing title fight held outside the United States.
“Corruption has stalled the only sporting event that can bring money, honor, and glory to Nigeria,” he lamented.
He urged the President not to allow the ambitions of corrupt individuals derail a globally significant event that could redefine Nigeria’s image on the world stage.
