The House of Representatives advised Nigerian boxer Bash Ali to seek private funding for his Guinness World Record Boxing Championship, according to reports on May 27, 2026.
What happened
The House of Representatives on Wednesday recommended that veteran boxer Bash Ali pursue private funding initiatives for his long-anticipated championship. The resolution came after a report by the House Committee on Public Petitions, chaired by Mr. Kwamoti Bitrus, was considered and adopted during plenary.
Ali is aiming to become the oldest boxer to fight in a professional championship bout. He has campaigned for over two decades for the Guinness World Record fight to take place in Nigeria. Bitrus discussed a petition Ali filed against the National Sports Commission, alleging “acts of sabotage and administrative impediments” that hindered his efforts.
The committee advised Ali to carry out the project solely as a privately-funded venture. It stated that “the petitioner (Bash Ali) should proceed strictly within the framework of a privately-funded initiative and in accordance with all applicable regulatory requirements governing sporting events in Nigeria.”
Why it matters
This resolution signifies a potential turning point for Ali’s long-sought dream of breaking a world record in boxing. As he seeks to secure financing and approvals for the event, the House emphasized the necessity of a non-discriminatory regulatory environment for sporting events in Nigeria.
Supporters of Ali view this decision as a renewed opportunity for a project surrounded by controversy for decades. The government’s lack of financial backing, however, may complicate Ali’s plans for the championship.
Background
On May 20, 2026, the House reviewed the petition from Ali, who has been striving to promote his Guinness World Record fight since the era of former President Olusegun Obasanjo. He has consistently accused various governments and sports authorities of obstructing his ambition to host the bout in Nigeria.
Ali, now 70, gained international fame in the 1980s and remains a prominent figure in Nigerian boxing. Despite endorsements from multiple stakeholders, his vision has faced repeated obstacles over the years.
What’s next
Going forward, Ali will seek private investors and sponsors, aiming to secure the necessary funding while coordinating with the National Sports Commission for regulatory approvals by upcoming deadlines.
