Boxing: Imeko Yucateco Showdown Series Excites Young Pugilists

It was yet another opportunity for young boxers to exhibit their skills as the highly anticipated Yucateco Showdown Series took center stage in Imeko Town, Ogun State, on Sunday.

The event held in conjunction with the state Boxing Association attracted several bigwigs as boxing fans also turned out in their numbers.

The one day championship aimed at propelling Olympic style pugilists in the Southwest lived up to its pre-event hype as boxers showed grit across the respective weight categories.

Oyakojo Quayum set the tone for an entertaining afternoon as he decimated Olaiya Michael 5-0 in their 55kg male contest. It was also a walk in the park for Quam Musefiu as he outclassed Oluwatobi Balogun 5-0 in their 60kg Showdown.

In the female category, the reigning Yucateco Pan-African champion Precious Anine gave the crowd a master class as she made a light work of Barakat Akanni in their 53kg brawl.

Several young boxers also had their spotlight with impressive performances.

The Ogun State Commissioner for Sports Development Hon. Wasiu Isiaka, represented by the state acting Director of Sports Oluseyi Sonde, said the Ogun state Ministry of Sports will build on the success of the event as they open further collaboration with Yucateco to develop amateur boxing across the state.

“We are truly delighted at what we have been able to achieve with this championship, Ogun State is known for producing some of the best boxers for Nigeria in the past and with initiative of this nature, I make bold to say that the future of the sport in our beloved state in truly bright”. Oluseyi said.

In his remarks, the CEO of Yucateco Boxing Promotions Omonlei Imadu said he remains committed to the development of amateur boxing in the Southwest and beyond.

In his words: ” This event has come to stay, we have opened a very important collaboration, and we hope to maximize every aspect to aid the development of young boxers in Ogun State and its environs. ”

Imadu, who initiated the first ever amateur boxing league in Africa, further reaffirms his resolve to change the trajectory of amateur boxing in the Southwest through consistent competition, workshops, and exposure beyond borderlines

” We already have the machinery in place, and in the coming weeks, we shall officially unveil a holistic template that will rapidly support the development of boxers, coaches, as well as the R&J”. Imadu said.