Former World Boxing Federation Cruiserweight Champion, Bashiru Lawrence Ali, aka Bash Ali, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently re-inaugurate the Bash Ali Boxing Project Local Organizing Committee (LOC) to prevent the derailment of what could be Africa’s first-ever Guinness World Record Boxing Championship GWRBC) in Nigeria.
Addressing a world press conference yesterday in Abuja, Ali claims that despite broad international interest—with 132 countries and 46,000 fans ready to attend the Bash Ali Project, the event is at risk due to systemic corruption and extortion within the Nigerian government and appealed to President Tinubu for the re-establishment of the Local Organizing Committee to facilitate the event.
“This is our moment to step into the global spotlight,” he stressed. “But if corruption continues to block the path, Nigeria risks missing out on something great.
“Enough is enough. I have faced numerous obstacles in my quest to bring this historic fight to Nigeria, all thanks to the corruption.”
He outlined previous instances where past presidents supported the Bash Ali Boxing Project, emphasizing that a lack of action now would squander a golden opportunity for Nigeria to shine on the global stage.
In a letter addressed to President Bola Tinubu, Ali detailed alleged extortion by government officials and outlined the potential economic and cultural benefits of hosting the championship on Nigerian soil.
In his compelling letter, Ali alleged that the federal government during the previous administration, through the Office of the Chief of Staff to the president, received an advance payment of $12 million, but said the historic fight is stalled because vested interests of those still in power.
He expressed deep frustration, stating, “For almost 19 years, to make this historic event a reality in Nigeria, the FGN has stalled the process due to corruption.” He emphasized that the boxing championship, which would be the first of its kind to be hosted on the African continent, offers immense financial opportunities through Pay-Per-View revenue and international sponsorship.
“I met the chairman, NSC, Shehu Dikko on November 13, 2024 and he wants to re-inaugurate the LOC so we can go on with the FGN’s mandate but he is handcuffed by the CRIMINALS in your cabinet who are sabotaging the economy of Nigeria.
“In the spirit of the Renewed Hope Agenda, I am respectfully asking you to immediately re-inaugurate the LOC so all the obstacles caused by corruption would be knocked out and that my allegations against the people that I have mentioned here should not be swept under the rug but properly invested and sanctioned for sabotaging the economy of Nigeria,” the legendary boxer stated.
As the world watches, the outcome of this unfolding situation could not only determine the fate of a historic boxing event but may also reflect the effectiveness of President Tinubu’s administration in addressing corruption and fostering a supportive environment for sports in Nigeria.
