Nigeria’s national welterweight champion, Michael Ikechukwu (Odogwu) has raised alarm over the current state of the pugilist’s sport and submitted that boxing in the country is like hell fire.

Sports247 reports that the outspoken pugilist, who had his first professional fight in 2021, lamented over the low amounts that Nigerian boxers currently get as contract fees after their bouts.

Ikechukwu spilt the beans on the sordid state of professional boxing in Nigeria while speaking on Athlete’s Corner segment of Sports247’s television programme, Inside Naija Sports.

He added during the programme that airs weekly on YouTube and NTA News24 that Nigerian boxers are in the sport just because of passion they have for it, while relying on other jobs to stay alive

‘Odogwu’ recalled that he actually ventured into boxing five years ago after he was motivated by a dramatic scene he observed at Lagos National Stadium.

“Back then, I used to go for swimming sessions at the National Stadium. One day, I saw a female boxer fighting a male boxer, and she was doing it very well.

“I was amazed to see what a woman could do against a man. So, I went to the coach and asked how I could join his club. He agreed to take me, and I quickly registered.

“It was not easy at the beginning and, even after three months, I kept on having bruises and cuts; but I didn’t give up. I had a lot of passion for it.

“I even told myself that one day, I’ll not only be national champion, but I will also be world champion. I thank God that I’m now a national champion in my weight category,” Ikechukwu retorted.

However, while revealing his strong passion for the sport and how he has grown since his professional debut in 2021, ‘Odogwu’ confessed that the biggest challenge for him is the issue of paltry payments handed to boxers in Nigeria.

“I’m happy with my journey so far in boxing. It’s now five years for me, but I just have to confess that, in Nigeria, boxing is hell.

“Yes, boxing is like hell fire in Nigeria, but I’ve enjoyed my five years in it because I love boxing with a strong passion. Many of us like the sport, but Nigeria is not helping us.

“Number one, the income we get as boxers is too low. It’s interesting to be a boxer but, in Nigeria, you must have a side-job in order to stay alive.

“That’s why so many Nigerian boxers go back to drive keke Marwa or ride okada after fighting in the ring. I also have my own side business that I’m doing.

“Without that side-job, I won’t be looking good. In fact, I would be like a rag. That’s because I’m not surviving on boxing money, but I have the passion to continue because I believe, one day, I’ll be a world champion,” Ikechukwu concluded.