Nigerian Pugilists were the cynosure of all eyes in their display of grit and artistry at the maiden Yucateco Pan-African Boxing Championship in Lomé at the weekend. Pugilists under the auspices of Yucateco boxing promotions won eight of the 12 belts on offer, platinumnewsng.com is reporting
The first to open the floodgate of victory for team Yucateco was Michael Ogunremi. He defeated Okoro Pierre of Benin Republic 2-1 in the 57kg class. It was a clean sweep in the second bout. Quam Musefiu got the better of Pedanou Lucien of Togo with a 3-0 victory in their 60kg fight.
How It Happened
In the 63kg bout, Yucateco boxing league’s most valuable boxer Abdulramon Abdulwahab made light work of Benin Rep Glele Adonai. He secured a 3-0 victory. Rilwan Salawu followed the steps of his compatriot as he decimated Edoh Stephano of Togo 3-0 in the 57kg class.
In the first Female bout of the night, YBL women’s champion Ayomide Mayowa showed her brilliant fighting mentality. She narrowly grabbed a 2-1 win against Zounon Tatiana of Benin Republic in their 48kg fight. The second female bout saw Benin Paulina Assogba triumph over Nigeria’s Aina Adekinwonsa 2-1 in the 57kg. Also in the Female category, Omolayo Adaramola secured a 3-0 victory against AhouandJinou Sara of Benin Republic in the 63kg as she dominated the bout from start to finish.
It wasn’t to be for Nigeria in the Men’s 69kg as Togo’s national champion Koffi Koudeha made a soft work of Mustafa Nasir in his 3-0 triumph.
In other results, Togo’s Apollinaire Siou secured a 2-1 victory against Nigeria’s Jade Joshua in the Men’s 75kg class. While Steven Ochoche suffered a 3-0 loss to Ekangnon Geovani of Benin in their 80kg bout.
Initiator of the event Omonlei Yakubu Imadu, said the aim behind the Pan-African Championship is to expose amateur boxers in the country beyond the shores of Nigeria.
Statement from Yucateco Pan-African Boxing Championship
“I am an expansionist, and I am always on the lookout for better and bigger opportunities hence the Pan-African boxing championship, this event brought the best of amateur boxers from these countries together and it has helped to expose them to different techniques and cultures in the sports”
Omonlei Yakubu Imadu at the Yucateco Pan-African Boxing Championship
“We decided to kick-start with just three countries as you have seen in the last two days. But as of today, we have ten West African countries who have indicated their interest in the championship. So, in subsequent editions, you will see boxers from Ghana, and Ivory Coast. Also, Mali, Guinea, Cameroon, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Niger, and others”.
The Chief executive officer of Yucateco boxing promotions stated that winners from this month’s event will be out to defend their belts in subsequent editions.
“We hope to make it a Monthly event so these boxers can remain active all year round. Those who have won this time won’t go to sleep knowing others are also eyeing their title. I am sincerely excited with the progress we have made and I strongly believe it can only get better”.
Twenty-four boxers in twelve different weight categories both male and female participated in the Pan-African Amateur Boxing Championship. Winners from each weight category received prize money and other incentives.
