By Olanrewaju Daramola
The Chairman of the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBBofC), Oyo State Chapter, Hon Gbenga Opaleye, has commissioned the ultra modern Ilaji Boxing Arena, built inside Ilaji Hotels and Sports Resort by Engr. Dotun Sanusi.
While cutting the tape to officially open the gym with top notch boxing facilities for use, Opaleye described the project as one of the best privately owned boxing arena in Nigeria as he commended Engineer Dotun Sanusi the CEO of the Ilaji Sports Resort for his un-relentless support for sports development in Oyo State and Nigeria as whole.
Opaleye who was accompanied to the event by members of Oyo NBBofC board, which included the Vice Chairman Hon. Bako Arowolo, the Secretary and renowned Sports’ journalist, Olanrewju Agiri and Abdulwasiu Rufai Seriki said the arena will produce more world champions, citing Rilwan Oyekola ‘Real Scorpion’ who is currently on the top spot in the featherweight category of Japanese Boxing Commission as a good example.
Speaking in the same vein, the Chief Operating Officer of Ilaji Hotel and Sports Resort Prince Adesina Araoye assured that the management of Ilaji will continue to support excellence and innovation, stating that the construction of the boxing arena was to encourage young and interested boxers in Nigeria.
The boxing promoter, and CEO of Core Afrique Boxing Promotion (COABOX), Olushola Ayodele who consulted for Ilaji Resorts on the project, in his remark thanked Engr. Dotun Sanusi for his huge love for sports, especially boxing, recalling his role in the World Boxing Federation (WBF) title hosted by the Resort in 2020 and won by the home boy, Ridwan Scorpion as historic.
He further admonished the management of Ilaji and boxing association in the state to make judicious use of facilities through proper usage and good maintenance culture with various boxing competitions.