Ilaji Boxing Academy has finalized preparations for its inaugural talent development cohort, with the first batch of young boxers scheduled to resume training on Saturday, October 10, 2026. The initiative marks a significant expansion of the Ilaji brand into professional boxing, aiming to establish a sustainable structure for nurturing the next generation of Nigerian athletes.
The selection process culminated in an open scouting trial held on August 26, 2026, at the Ilaji Hotels & Sports Resort in Akanran, Ibadan. The event was organized specifically to discover and identify promising local talent for the academy’s long-term development program.
Under the terms of the programme, the academy will assume full responsibility for the selected recruits. This includes overseeing their training, providing necessary facilities, managing their athletic development, and taking charge of their overall welfare and guardianship.
Building on Football Success
The launch of the boxing academy reflects Ilaji’s ambition to replicate its established success in football within the ring. By creating a structured talent pipeline, the organization seeks to produce athletes capable of competing on both national and international stages, continuing its broader investment in sports development.
The initiative is closely tied to the interests of Ilaji Hotels & Sports Resort’s Chief Executive Officer, Okanlomo Dotun Sanusi, a known supporter of the sport. Sanusi has previously contributed to the boxing community by sponsoring the World Boxing Federation (WBF) world title bout featuring Ridwan “Scorpion” Oyekola and establishing a world-standard boxing gym within the resort.
“We have duly documented all the selected young boxers. The stage is set to build a long-lasting legacy in the global boxing world, just as we have done with football, while upholding the Ilaji name, which is synonymous with excellence in hospitality and sports,” said Ridwanulahi Akinola, General Manager of Ilaji Hotels & Sports Resort.
Akinola made the remarks while addressing the coaches who identified the selected boxers, emphasizing that the academy has formally documented all recruited athletes. The program aims to provide young boxers with structured training, professional guidance, and the support necessary to pursue successful careers in the sport.
<small>Source: The Sun Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
