Nigeria Boxing Federation Adopts New World Boxing Weight Categories for 22nd National Sports Festival
In a competition advisory issued to stakeholders, the NBF clarified that, as an affiliate of the IOC-recognized World Boxing, it is obligated to follow the statutes and regulations of the International Federation.
The Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF) has officially confirmed the adoption of the newly approved World Boxing weight categories for the upcoming 22nd National Sports Festival, set to take place in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
In a competition advisory issued to stakeholders, the NBF clarified that, as an affiliate of the IOC-recognized World Boxing, it is obligated to follow the statutes and regulations of the International Federation. This clarification follows confusion among state coaches, including Niger State Boxing Head Coach Ismail Raji, over which weight categories would be used for the event.
Coach Raji had reached out to Secretary General Olalekan Faseesin, seeking clarity after encountering two conflicting weight category tables. With the registration portal set to open soon, the federation’s announcement was crucial for ensuring all states are aligned on the new categories.
The revised weight divisions, effective from January 1, 2025, introduce 10 categories each for men and women. The men’s division will range from Flyweight (47-50kg) to Super Heavyweight (90kg+), while the women’s division will cover Light Flyweight (45-48kg) to Heavyweight (80kg+).
Additionally, the NBF instructed all participating states to secure new Blue Cards from the NBF Secretariat ahead of the festival. Each state will be permitted to enter one male boxer in each of the 13 men’s categories and one female boxer in each of the 12 women’s categories.
Secretary General Faseesin, who signed the advisory, provided contact details for further inquiries, ensuring stakeholders could reach out for any questions regarding the new weight categories. With the registration portal opening soon, this clarification aims to ensure all states are prepared for the National Sports Festival according to global boxing standards.
