I hope to become world champion by 2020
Sadiq Umar is currently one of the most talented upcoming boxers in the world. The British born Nigerian is getting rave reviews from exboxers and pundits alike. The Super-Middleweight Professional speaks to SHOT! on his aspirations, his last ditch Rio Ol
What attracted you to boxing and how did you get into it? I was attracted to boxing because I wanted to develop my fitness. In the process, I began wanting to be the best. I even wanted to be better than people who were fighters. Eventually I got so good that I had to challenge myself against the best in the country and world. Now I’m a world class fighter and I’m looking forward to moving to greater heights by becoming the best in the world.
Boxing is considered a dangerous sport. How were you able to convince your parents to allow you take part professionally?
My mother still doesn’t like that I box but she can see it’s my passion and I have a bright future in it. She tried to stop me several times but now she has accepted that this is my path. She still prays for me and that’s a great thing. I try my best to make my family proud all the time.
How painful was it to miss out on the 2016 Rio Olympics in Brazil?
It wasn’t painful but disappointing. But the lessons I learnt via the experience of my Olympic campaign made me feel that I still achieved something. Going forward I’m mentally stronger and that puts me in good stead for future challenges that will come my way. I feel better equipped to face issues of the past now.
How do you hope to reach Tokyo 2020 and what are your motivations?
I have no intention to box in Tokyo 2020 because by then I will be a world champion as a professional boxer or I will be in a position to challenge for a world title. So I am looking beyond the Olympics as it is now. I have eyes set on bigger targets.
Why did you decide to choose Nigeria over England, where you were born?
Nigeria is my birth country and has not had much Olympic success in boxing which is unfortunate considering the massive talents everywhere. Winning an Olympic Gold for Nigeria is more challenging because AIBA does you no favours but the reward is greater because Nigeria would appreciate the gold medal more than England would have, so that’s the biggest motivation for me.
What’s your assessment of Nigerian boxing?
Nigeria is brimming with boxing talents. We could be the best nation in the world but the amateur system is corrupt. I know this is controversial but it has to be said, somebody must speak out the injustice the boxers face. The board members keep most of the money the sports commission passes down. The assistant boxing president and the secretary keep most of the little that filters down and then the boxers are left with nothing. The funding is available but it doesn’t reach the boxers. The result is that the boxers are not adequately supported in living, training, preparation, kit and incentives to perform against the world’s elite amateur boxing setups.
In what ways do you feel the sport can be improved upon in Nigeria?
Support the boxers so that all they have to focus on is boxing and Nigeria would be one of the best countries in the world. All the successful nations such as Cuba, Great Britain and Ukraine use the same systems. If the country can adopt this then I assure you that we’ll go a long way in fighting for titles with the best in no time.
Some compared you to Muhammed Ali when you competed in Lagos in 2012. How close are you to making that comparison a reality?
Mohammad Ali (RIP) is a legend who contributed to paving the way for me to be in where I am today. It’s an honor to have people compare me to him but the thing is there isn’t going to be another Muhammad Ali. Everyone is different and has his own path which makes life exciting and unpredictable.
What can Nigeria do to clinch a boxing medal in the next Olympics?
With the correct system in place Nigeria has more than enough talent for a very good boxer to clinch a medal for us. I seriously believe we can do it because we have what it takes. We just need the required support to make it.
In future do you have plans of starting a foundation that will guide aspiring boxers considering the opportunities are limited in Nigeria?
Most definitely, it’s something I’ll be glad to do because helping others to stand on their feet is just an amazing feeling. Mr Olawale Edun has already started a similar initiative and I dream of supporting him as soon as I’m able to by the grace of God.
With the correct system in place Nigeria has more than enough talent for a very good boxer to clinch a medal for us