WABU president denies ABU allegations, queries suspension News

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WABU president denies ABU allegations, queries suspension

By Daily Sports Nigeria on February 20, 2025

West African Boxing Union President Remi Aboderin has dismissed allegations of misconduct levelled against the body by the African Boxing Union while challenging the latter’s authority to suspend WABU’s activities, The PUNCH reports.

The ABU, led by President Houcine Houichi, announced the disbandment of WABU at an executive meeting in Lagos on February 12, citing allegations of blackmail, manipulation, financial misappropriation and exploitation of boxers and promoters.

“There are no truths to any of the accusations being made. I think they want to destabilise the boxing body,” Aboderin told our correspondent.

“He (Houichi) is the President of an independent organisation trying to suspend another independent boxing body. He is not a member of the board and shouldn’t be attempting to dissolve the board.”

Nigerian Boxing Board of Control President Rafiu Ladipo also expressed surprise at the development, stating he had not been officially informed of any ban.

“First and foremost, I am not aware of any ban on WABU. As the president of the Nigerian Boxing Board of Control, I should know if such a thing happens,” Ladipo told The PUNCH.

“I am waiting for somebody to contact me and inform me officially that WABU is banned.”

When contacted, Houichi confirmed WABU’s disbandment to our correspondent, adding that “the Secretary General of ABU is preparing a press release on this matter and all those concerned will get it.”

The ABU boss had urged boxing promoters and stakeholders after the meeting last Wednesday to disassociate from WABU, warning that any activity carried out with the body would be treated as illegal.

“The African Boxing Union is a very reputable body and it’s expected that other affiliated groups will uphold the same level of integrity,” Houichi said.

“We have looked at the very weighty complaints against the leadership of WABU in the past few months, and we thought it wise to dissolve its operations for now so the issues can be properly addressed.”

The matter has been directed to ABU’s Ethics and Disciplinary Committee, which will work with a special task force to investigate the allegations.

Source Punch Ng

Posted February 20, 2025