Nigerian boxer, Bash Ali reacts to Holyfield’s invitation to Lagos
By Rita Chioma
Former Cruiserweight boxer, Bash Ali has blasted the Lagos State Government for inviting former World Heavyweight boxing champion, Evander Holyfield for an exhibition-boxing bout in Lagos State.
The Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, had as part of the 50th year anniversary of the creation of Lagos State invited Holyfield, a five-time World Cruiserweight and Heavyweight boxing champion, for a scheduled boxing match with a former governor of the state, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
But in a Facebook post, the Nigerian boxing legend lamented that he should have been invited for the boxing showcase instead of the American because of his contribution to the economy of Lagos and Nigeria.
Meanwhile, Governor Ambode, while receiving Holyfield at Lagos House in Ikeja on Wednesday lauded the achievements of Holyfield, describing him as the greatest living boxer of all times.
The Governor, who described the visit of the boxing legend to Lagos as historic, said there was no better way to showcase sports as catalyst for growth than with the collaboration of such an icon as Holyfield.
In his response, Holyfield stated that his coming to Lagos was about giving back to the society. “I want kids to learn from me how I became four times heavyweight champion.”
He also announced a donation of $3million worth of health equipment to Lagos State government, a gesture that Governor Ambode commended and urged other sports legends and individuals to emulate.
