SOUTHEAST MAIDEN AMATEURS BOXING CHAMPIONSHIP TO SHOWCASE TALENTS.

A three day Maiden South-East Amateur Boxing Championship has commenced in Umuahia with call on athletes to uphold discipline, respect and fair play during the competition.

Governor Alex Otti gave the charge while declaring the event open at the Indoor Hall, Umuahia Township Stadium.

The Governor who was represented by the Commissioner for Sports Mr Nwaobilor Ananaba, said the championship provides a platform for young athletes in the zone to showcase their talents,promote youth engagement, social inclusion and economic empowerment.

According to the Governor, the championship marks a significant milestone in grassroots sports development and described it as a major step towards reviving boxing in the region and discovering future champions.

In his speech, the South-East Representative on the Board of the Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF), Mr Nnamdi Oji, said that the championship would help revive the sport in the region and restore its lost glory.

Represented by Sports Consultant Mr Paul Ngadiuba at the event in Umuahia, said that boxing had witnessed a decline in the South-East since the era of renowned boxers such as Obisie Nwankpa and others.

He described the championship as a timely intervention aimed at rejuvenating boxing and producing athletes capable of representing the region at national and international competitions.

Also, the South-East Zonal Sports Representative of the National Sports Commission, Mr Bernard Ezeama, described boxing as an exciting sport that requires discipline and self-control.

He commended Abia for hosting the championship and pledged the commission’s support towards talent discovery and athlete development.

In his speech, the Director of Sports in Abia, Mr Obioma George, said that the championship would help reposition boxing in the South-East and create opportunities for young athletes.

George said that the competition would serve as a platform for identifying and grooming talents capable of excelling at national and international levels.

He expressed confidence that with government support, boxing in the region would witness renewed growth and produce future champions.

The event featured two boxing bouts, with Israel Ogbodo of Enugu State taking on Ayu John of Imo, while Chidiebere Chukwuemeka of Abia faced Chigbuo Aguji of Ebonyi.

After three rounds of action, Ogbodo and Chukwuemeka emerged victorious in their respective contests, giving Enugu and Abia wins in the bouts.

In an interview with newsmen after winning his opening bout at the ongoing championship, Chidiebere Chukwuemeka attributed his success to years of training and the dedication of his coach in grooming him.

Chukwuemeka, a boxer representing Abia, expressed determination to reach greater heights in the sport and represent Nigeria at international competitions.