BASH Ali Boxing Project: Amb. OJO Patrick Lauds President TINUBU, Sen. NINGI and ENOH, Sports Minister
Ambassador Ojo Patrick Idowu (JP) has lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting the upcoming Bash Ali project, a Guinness World Record boxing event planned for July in Abuja, Nigeria. Bash Ali, a World Boxing Federation champion, aims to become the oldest boxer to win a world championship at age 69. The event, dubbed "Boxing to Shock the World," has been in the works for decades. President Tinubu's administration is seen as supportive, rekindling hope for sports development in Nigeria and aligning with his Renewed Hope Agenda.
Chief Ojo Patrick, the 1st San Turakin, also commended Senator Ningi Abdul, Chairman of the Senate Committee on sports, and and the Minister of Sports, Senator John Enoh, for their support of the Bash Ali project. He described their efforts as a groundbreaking moment in Nigeria's sports history, signaling a shift towards prioritizing impactful initiatives like hosting the Guinness World Record boxing event. This support aligns with broader efforts to revive Nigeria's sporting legacy and boost international recognition through sports-driven development
Chief Ojo Patrick, who has been a vocal supporter of Bash Ali's dream, encouraged the Nigerian government to continue backing the legendary boxer’s Guinness World Record fight. He emphasized the importance of leaving a lasting legacy by ensuring Bash Ali remains a champion, symbolizing resilience and excellence. Chief Ojo poetically noted that "an iroko must not fall," underscoring the significance of preserving Nigeria's sporting icons and using such events to elevate the nation's global image.
" He has called on all stakeholders to rally behind Bash Ali, Nigeria's undefeated World Cruiserweight Champion, in his quest to host a Guinness World Record boxing championship in Nigeria. Despite being 68 years old, Bash Ali continues to train rigorously, demonstrating his dedication and resilience. He has persistently urged the Nigerian government to sponsor the fight, emphasizing its potential to showcase Nigeria's athletic talent and generate significant economic benefits.
" He further stated that Bash Ali declined lucrative offers from the United States and other countries, insisting that the event be held in Nigeria to allow the nation to earn over a billion dollars in revenue. His unwavering commitment has led to clashes with sports officials, but he remains focused on making history as the oldest boxer to compete and win a world title, while elevating Nigeria's global standing in sports.
In his statement, being recognized, respected, and revered as a legend in one's field is among the greatest honors a person can experience. Achieving what one sets out to do and being considered the best in the world is the pinnacle of success. It signifies not only personal fulfillment but also a lasting impact on others. This kind of recognition transcends mere accolades, as it reflects a deep respect for the individual's contributions and achievements. For someone like Bash Ali, who has dedicated his life to boxing, achieving such status would be a testament to his hard work, perseverance, and dedication to his craft.
Bashiru Ali, better known as Bash Ali, has faced numerous challenges over 19 years in his quest to host his Guinness World Record Boxing Championship fight in Nigeria. Despite being the World Boxing Federation Cruiserweight Champion and a decorated Nigerian athlete, the event has been delayed due to bureaucratic hurdles, corruption, and lack of governmental support. Bash Ali's refusal to succumb to corruption and his insistence on hosting the fight in Nigeria rather than abroad have been central to these delays.
Ojo maintained that, Bash Ali has endured significant sacrifices, including financial losses, physical injuries, and detentions, all while advocating for the event's realization. Bash Ali believes this historic bout would not only secure his legacy as the oldest boxer to fight and win a world title but also elevate Nigeria's global image and generate substantial economic benefits for the country.
The proposed Guinness World Record boxing championship, featuring Bashiru Ali (Bash Ali), is set to make history as the first of its kind to be held on African soil, outside the United States. Bash Ali has been advocating for this event in Nigeria for over 19 years, facing bureaucratic challenges and corruption along the way. Despite lucrative offers to host the fight abroad, he remains committed to staging it in Nigeria to boost the country's global image and economic prospects through tourism and media revenue.
If successful, the championship will establish Bash Ali as the oldest boxer to fight and win a world title, further solidifying Nigeria's position in international sports history.
The proposed tournament is expected to be a groundbreaking event, not only for Nigeria but for Africa as a whole. This historic bout is projected to generate unprecedented Pay Per View Television (PPVTV) revenue. With an estimated audience of 30–35 million viewers at $100 per view, the event could yield at least $3 billion in PPVTV revenue.
Additionally, it promises other financial benefits, including sponsorships, advertisements, and souvenir sales. Beyond revenue, the project aims to establish five sports academies and a sports equipment manufacturing factory across Nigeria, costing $20 million each. Bash Ali’s commitment to hosting the fight in Nigeria reflects his dedication to uplifting the nation’s global image and fostering sports development.
This is aside other revenue that would be generated from PPVTV in Africa, sales of souvenirs, sponsorships and adverts. And above all, five sports academies with Olympic size swimming pool and a sports equipment manufacturing factory will be built across Nigeria at the cost of $20m each.
Bash Ali, who hails from Edo State, south-south Nigeria, a former wrestler turned boxer, is described as the “boxer in the world to win a world boxing title without first boxing as an amateur. He is the only boxer in the world to win every cruiserweight title conceivable – California, United States Boxing Association (USBA), North America Boxing Federation (NABF), World Boxing Council International (twice) and the current World Boxing Federation champion.
According to Ojo, Bashiru Lawrence Ali, is Known for his powerful punches and aggressive fighting style, he holds the distinction of being the first African to win the cruiserweight title. Despite his achievements, Ali has faced significant challenges in his quest to host a Guinness World Record fight in Nigeria, aiming to become the oldest boxer to win an independent world title at 68 years old.
Ambassador Ojo says , Bash Ali envisions this fight as a landmark event that could generate billions in revenue and enhance Nigeria's global image.
