The House of Representatives on Wednesday advised veteran Nigerian boxer, Bash Ali, to explore private sector funding options for his proposed Guinness World Record Boxing Championship, while calling on relevant government institutions to provide necessary regulatory and logistical assistance within the confines of their legal responsibilities.
The resolution followed the adoption of a report presented before the House during plenary by the Chairman of the House Committee on Public Petitions, Mr. Kwamoti Bitrus, regarding a petition filed by the former cruiserweight boxing champion against the National Sports Commission.
The petition centered on allegations by Ali that certain officials within the commission had deliberately frustrated his efforts to stage what he described as a historic boxing event aimed at setting a Guinness World Record.
For more than two decades, the veteran boxer has campaigned tirelessly for the hosting of the proposed championship fight in Nigeria, insisting that the event would place the country prominently on the global sporting map.
Ali, who hopes to become the oldest boxer in history to participate in a professional championship bout, has repeatedly accused government agencies and sports administrators of sabotaging the initiative through bureaucratic bottlenecks, delays and administrative obstacles.
Presenting the committee’s findings to lawmakers, Bitrus explained that the petitioner alleged persistent acts of interference and lack of institutional support from officials of the National Sports Commission, which he claimed prevented the realization of the boxing championship.
The committee chairman said extensive engagements and reviews were carried out before arriving at its recommendations.
According to him, the committee carefully examined submissions from both the petitioner and the relevant government agencies involved in the matter.
Bitrus noted that while the House acknowledged the patriotic intentions and determination demonstrated by Ali over the years, the proposed championship remained largely a private initiative that should attract sponsorship from corporate organisations, investors and other non-governmental sources.
He explained that government institutions could only provide assistance within the scope of their statutory mandates and available resources.
The lawmaker added that the committee recognised the importance of sports development and the need to encourage initiatives capable of projecting Nigeria positively on the international stage.
However, he stressed that direct government financing of the event might not be feasible under existing financial and administrative frameworks.
Following deliberations, the House adopted the committee’s recommendation advising the veteran boxer to intensify efforts toward securing private sponsorship and partnerships for the championship project.
The lawmakers also urged the National Sports Commission and other relevant agencies to cooperate with Ali by providing appropriate regulatory guidance, technical assistance and logistical coordination where necessary.
Members of the House observed that private sector participation had become increasingly vital in the development and promotion of sports globally, especially for large-scale events requiring substantial financial commitments.
Some lawmakers reportedly commended Ali for his resilience and unwavering commitment to pursuing the historic feat despite years of setbacks and institutional challenges.
They described his determination as a reflection of patriotism and personal dedication to promoting Nigerian sports internationally.
The adoption of the report may signal a new phase in Ali’s long-running campaign, which has remained one of the most controversial and prolonged sports-related projects in Nigeria.
Over the years, the proposed Guinness World Record fight has generated widespread public attention, media debates and legal disputes involving various sports and government institutions.
The boxing icon has consistently maintained that the event would attract global recognition, tourism opportunities and economic benefits to Nigeria if eventually staged successfully.
Despite repeated delays and failed attempts to secure official backing, Ali has continued to insist that he remains physically fit and mentally prepared to enter the ring for the record-setting bout.
Observers say the latest resolution by the House of Representatives could encourage greater private sector involvement in the project while reducing dependence on direct government funding.
Sports enthusiasts have also expressed mixed reactions to the development, with some supporting the House position on private sponsorship while others believe the government should play a more active role in supporting landmark sporting initiatives capable of enhancing national prestige.
The National Sports Commission is yet to issue an official response following the House resolution, although stakeholders within the sports sector are expected to continue consultations on the feasibility of the proposed championship.
For Bash Ali, however, the parliamentary recommendation represents another chapter in his long pursuit of what he believes could become one of the most historic moments in international boxing history.
