Boxers take to the ring as YUCATECO WBC Amateur Boxing Championship begins in Lagos
The eagerly awaited maiden YUCATECO WBC Amateur Boxing Championship took off on a good note on Thursday as pugilists in various weight categories took to the ring to showcase their talents.
The event holding at the Molade Okoya Thomas Indoor Sports Hall of Teslim Balogum Stadium, Surulere, Lagos attracted many of the best amateur fighters in the continent who gave a good account of themselves to the satisfaction of the fans which included the President of African Boxing Union, Houcine Houichi,
Chief Executive Officer, Yucateco Boxing Promotions, Honorable Omonlei Yakubu Imadu who also doubles as the President, Boxing Promoters Association of Nigeria and International Vice President of the body, Saleh Fawaz.
In the first fight of the day, Nigerian Samuel Dahunsi defeated his opponent from Benin Republic, Agbotomey Mahudaro in their 52 kg fight while in the 55 kg clash, homeboy, Frank Osikoya recorded a unanimous decision victory over Ugandan Kemera Moses.
It was an all Nigerian affair in the 56kg category where Mayowa Gbadeyon fighting in the red corner recorded a unanimous decision against his fellow country man, Toluwani Williams just as Ugandan Battle Nuhu fighting in the 69 kg recorded another unanimous decision victory over his Ghanaian opponent, Daniel Awadzi.
In another 69 kg fight, Nigerian Abdulsalam Alata defeated Togolese, Yusuf Adeleke with Daniel Joshua defeating his team mate Peter Ejieke in their 75kg class.
Fighting in the female 54kg class, Hawawu Ogundede recorded a 3;2 split point decision over Amira Oluwatoyin.
Meanwhile, the President of the African Boxing Union, Houcine Houichi has expressed excitement with the championship describing it as a big boost to the development of the pugilist game in the continent.
The event which serves as a qualifier for the maiden WBC Amateur Boxing World Cup in Mexico is featuring pugilists from eight African countries. The boxers are competing in eight weight divisions for the male category while fights will hold in five weight classes for the female event.
The Most Valuable boxers in both categories will be decorated with the prestigious WBC Amateur title belts.
Action continues today at the same venue with the finals coming up on Saturday, February, 8, 2025.
