Boxing Legend Bash Ali Accuses Top Nigerian Officials of $12M Scandal, Calls on Tinubu to Revive Stalled Guinness World Record Fight
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CIn a powerful and passionate letter to President Bola Tinubu, Nigerian boxing icon and Guinness World Record contender Bash Ali has made explosive allegations of corruption involving senior government officials and the stalling of a historic international boxing championship on African soil.
Ali claims the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN), through the Office of the Chief of Staff and former Sports Ministers, collected an advance payment of $12 million USD for the proposed Guinness World Record Boxing Championship, but has since failed to deliver on its commitments due to alleged corruption and extortion.
He specifically named former Sports Minister and now Special Adviser on Media, Sunday Dare, and Barrister D.A. Muhammad of the now-defunct Ministry of Sports Development, accusing them of extorting N13 million from him under false pretenses. He also alleged that current State Minister of Trade and Investment, John Enoh, attempted to extract an additional $1 million from him before the project was indefinitely stalled.
“The only event in sport in Nigeria that will, apart from MONEY, bring honor and glory is the Guinness World Record Boxing Championship Fight, but CORRUPTION has stalled it,” Ali wrote. “Despite my several meetings and discussions with you on the subject matter, the fight is still not happening.”
According to Ali, the fight would mark the first Guinness World Record boxing event held outside the United States and was expected to be the most lucrative in Pay Per View history. With 132 countries already committed to participating, the championship promised international exposure, tourism revenue, and a boost to Nigeria’s global image.
Ali also pointed out that the government had inaugurated the Bash Ali Boxing Project Local Organizing Committee (LOC) three times over the past two decades, most recently in 2019, yet the project remains in limbo. He lamented that key officials who allegedly benefited from funds meant for the fight still hold powerful positions within the current administration, blocking progress.
Calling on President Tinubu to act decisively in line with his Renewed Hope agenda, Ali’s letter ends with three urgent appeals:
1. The immediate re-inauguration of the LOC to revive the boxing event.
2. A thorough investigation into the officials he accused, with appropriate sanctions.
3. Full refund of all extorted funds.
“Mr. President Sir, after the FGN has collected an advance of $12M USD and extorted millions of Naira from me… I still refused to give up on my country, Nigeria. I want to fight in my country, Nigeria — so help me, please.”
As of press time, there has been no official response from the Presidency, the National Sports Commission, or any of the officials named in the letter.
This post has already been read at least 11104 times!
