The Nigeria Boxing Federation’s professional arm, NBF-Pro, has unveiled a 30-day free legal service scheme for professional boxers across the country, in partnership with Emoni Sports Law as its official legal advisory chamber.
In a statement released on Saturday, NBF-Pro said the scheme was designed to support professional boxers tied to exploitative or multiple contracts with international promoters and managers, with the aim of resolving contractual issues that may have hindered the career progress of pugilists both locally and internationally.
The NBF-Pro said the framework, which will be accessed free of charge by all boxers, will include education for pugilists on identifying bad deals, with a sports law chamber reviewing such documents and removing possible barriers.
During the 30-day window, interested boxers will benefit from a contract audit, which involves a review of existing promoter and manager agreements to identify conflicts, illegal clauses, and concurrent signings.
They will also receive legal advice on how to lawfully terminate or harmonise multiple contracts, as well as a compliance check to ensure future deals meet the standards of the NBF, the National Sports Commission, and World Boxing.
According to the statement, interested boxers have been advised to contact NBF-Pro through its official channels and submit copies of all their current contracts, both local and international, within the 30-day window for the service to remain free.
NBF-Pro Chairman, Azania Omo-Agege, described the initiative as an important step towards educating and supporting boxers who may have been entangled in exploitative contracts over time.
“Firstly, I must appreciate the leadership of the Nigeria Boxing Federation for the ongoing reforms, which have truly impacted the sport in the country.
“The process has been holistic, covering every aspect of the sport. The legal framework designed to support our boxers will bring an end to all kinds of contract issues that may have inhibited the career trajectory of the athletes,” Omo-Agege said.