Aboderin Applauds Oyo NBBofC on Successful Training of Referees and Judges
The Vice President of the Nigerian Boxing Board of Control (NBBofC), Oyo Zone, Dr. Aboderin, has commended the Oyo State chapter of the board for successfully organizing a training program for referees and judges. He described the initiative as a critical step toward improving standards in the state’s boxing community and ensuring fairness in the sport.
Speaking after the close of the program, Aboderin expressed delight at the commitment shown by the organizers and participants, noting that referees and judges play a crucial role in boxing and must remain updated with global best practices. He emphasized that continuous training would not only boost the credibility of competitions but also help young talents thrive in a fair and competitive environment.“
The Oyo NBBofC has done a commendable job by investing in the education and retraining of referees and judges. These officials are the backbone of every fight, and their knowledge and integrity determine the future of the sport,” Aboderin said.The training session, which was attended by both upcoming and experienced referees and judges, covered critical aspects such as scoring, technical rules, fair play, and the ethical responsibilities of boxing officials. Participants were also given practical demonstrations to better understand how to handle challenging in-ring situations.
According to the Oyo NBBofC, the program was designed not only to raise the bar of officiating but also to prepare the state for future national and international boxing tournaments. With Oyo State producing some of Nigeria’s finest boxers in the past, stakeholders believe that raising officiating standards will further consolidate the state’s reputation as a boxing hub.
Dr. Aboderin further urged referees and judges to put the knowledge they acquired into practice, stressing that consistent professionalism would attract more investors and sponsors into the sport. He added that Nigeria’s boxing future largely depends on the credibility of its competitions.“
This training must not end here; referees and judges should continue to practice what they have learned. When our fights are judged transparently, young boxers will have the confidence to give their best, and fans will trust the results,” he said.
Several participants praised the Oyo State NBBofC leadership for creating the opportunity, saying it would strengthen their capacity to officiate at higher levels. They also called for more frequent training programs to ensure that Nigeria remains in line with international boxing standards.
The Oyo NBBofC has promised to sustain the training annually, with plans already in motion to expand its scope and possibly invite international boxing officials to broaden the learning experience.
With this milestone, stakeholders believe that Oyo State boxing is well-positioned to produce not only world-class fighters but also highly respected referees and judges who can represent Nigeria globally.