History was made in African boxing over the weekend as the widely publicized Yucateco Emirate Pan-African boxing title fight attracted over (8,000) fans and spectators at the Emir’s Palace in Ilorin Kwara state.
The hugely anticipated contests lived up to its pre-hostilities hype as amateur pugilists from Nigeria, Benin, and Togo dazzles the humongous crowd in the squared ropes. The international contest Featuring bouts in various weight categories for male and female boxers, produced shocking results with two of the fights stopped by referees.
Nigeria’s Hawawu Ogunmodede recorded a split decision win over Pauline Assogba of Benin in the female category. Joshua Daniel of Nigeria recorded a unanimous victory over Koffi Koudeha of Togo in the men’s 71kg bout, while RIiliwan Salawu defeated Waidi Tobiloba 5-0.
In the men’s 75k Nigeria’s Akintola David made a soft work of Siou Appolinaire of Togo as he secured a 5-0 victory. Saheed Jamiu recorded same result against Opeyemi Obanla.
The pre-event fans favorite bout ended in disappointment for home boy Abdulsalam Alata as he was forced to quit the bout against Fawas Sharafadeen in the second round of their 67kg contest.
A dispirited Alata expressed his disappointment in the outcome of the bout as he hopes to find his feet in subsequent encounter.
” this is a major setback for me because the fans expected so much from me, i will continue to work closely with my coaches to correct some of the mistakes I made against Fawas, my fans should be rest assured that I will be back stronger”.
Expressing his excitement on the collaboration with Yucateco Boxing Promotions, Kwara state Sports Commission Chairman, Bola Mogaji, promised that the state will build on the momentum of the Pan-African title championship to develop more talents in the state.
Speaking on the significance of the Pan-African title fight, Chief Executive Officer, Yiucateco Boxing Promotions, Omonlei Yakubu Imadu, reaffirms his commitment to grow the sport in all nooks and crannies of the country, noting that the promotion focus on exposing amateur pugilists beyond beyond boderslines.
” i am happy with the level of support and acceptance we received in Kwara state, we made history today with over 8,000 spectators watching a boxing event in a single night, this is good for the sports in the continent”.
Action resumes in the Yucateco boxing league on Friday November 15th in Ajegunle Lagos.
