18th February, 2014
Promoter of Bash Ali’s Guinness Book of World Record Unification Championship, Oba King Promotions, has flagged what was described as ‘unprecedented’ media campaign for the Guinness World Record, GWR, bout which will hold in Abuja on 31 May this year.
Already a renowned media consultant, Local Media Group, headed by Otunba Biodun Ajiboye is handling the account of the fight which has been tagged “The African Pride’’.
Bashiru Lawrence Ali, OON, who will clock 58 by 27 February, is seeking to rewrite boxing history after Joe Burgner won a world title fight at age 48. The Nigerian pugilist is currently aspiring to become the world’s oldest boxer so as to make the Guinness Book of World Records. The bout which promises to be a double header is a titanic clash between Ali, a World Boxing Federation, WBF cruiserweight champion and American Rick Camlin, 32, an International Boxing Union (IBU) champion.
Chief Executive Officer, CEO, of Oba King Promotions, Benson Adegboye told a world press conference at the weekend in Lagos that he was glad to be part of Bash Ali’s Project which will see no fewer than five African presidents in attendance watching the fight live in Lagos. The coming of boxing legends such as Mohammed Ali, Iron Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield and renowned promoter, Don King. 5 million viewers in 31 countries watching the fight through pay per view.
“We are happy to be a part of this project as we intend to use the bout to revive professional boxing in Nigeria,” the Ondo State-born business mogul said.
Ayodele Akintunde, Secretary of the Local Organising Committee, LOC, headed by former Sports Minister, Bala Ka’oje said that since 7 January, 2014 when Chairman of National Sports Commission, NSC, Bolaji Abdullahi inaugurated the body, all hands have been on deck to ensure that a successful fight is staged not to disappoint the confidence President Goodluck Jonathan had on the LOC.
“We have seen begun work on how best we can put up a good show. We have strategic planning with all relevant world boxing bodies and we are fully behind the promoter with the support of Mr. President and the Sports Minister. We want the support of Corporate Nigeria and the media,” he said.
For the Agency handling the media and publicity of the fight, Otunba Ajiboye said a campaign that will dovetail to the day of the fight has just begun with the press conference, adding “this is not just about boxing but about putting Nigeria’s name in the world map again. It is indeed to rejuvenate Nigeria and Africa pride. The fight will see us making history to produce the oldest man to win a world boxing title.
“It is a win-win situation for Nigeria. There are a lot to gain from this fight. Before the fight, there will be a bonanza to be powered by some GSM network where Nigerians will win prizes such Picanto cars and a Prado Jeep which will be displayed at the National Stadium in Surulere. All what we want from Nigerians and the media is their support and partnership,” he said.