The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Youth and Sports development, has distanced itself from any involvement in the novelty boxing match, Guinness World Boxing Project, being promoted by former World Cruiserweight Champion, Bash Ali.
The 64-year-old former boxing champion is reportedly seeking to enter the Guinness Book of Records as the oldest boxer to win a world title.
The Ministry urged Bash Ali, who has now been informed through his lawyer, B.O. Nafagha & Co., to refrain from acts that interfere with the activities of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, where the former world cruiserweight champion has been pressuring officials to endorse the fight.
The ministry asserts that the proposed bout falls under the purview of the Nigerian Boxing Board of Control (NBBofC), being a professional category that is purely a business concern and acting on instructions from the Presidency, cannot interfere in a matter over which another organization has jurisdiction. .
A letter written to Ali’s lawyer read: “The Ministry under the directive of Mr. President in a letter, dated 10th March, 2020 made it clear that it is not the proper platform for your client to realize his pet project.”
It further said “And as a final note I am directed to advise your client to restrain from engaging in any act capable of creating a difficult atmosphere for the Ministry and its staff to carry out their functions.”
