The Kogi State Boxing Association have concluded plans to host a National Boxing Championship in August to honor state governor, Yahaya Bello.
The chairman of the Kogi State Boxing Association, Prince Mathew Kolawole, made the announcement following the inauguration of the committee in Lokoja.
Kolawole said the tournament will help Kogi and the North Central rediscover hidden talents in the region.
Kolawole, also a board member of the Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF) representing the North Central, added that national boxers and coaches will storm the state capital as cash prizes will be doled out.
“The tournament is tagged, ‘Governor Yahaya Bello National Boxing Championship,’ to honor him because coincidentally, the governor used to be a boxer.
“The championship is in three phases: Champion of Champions, Under 21 and under Under 16, which is to groom upcoming boxers to stardom. After the event, we hope Kogi boxers that win their bouts will be sponsored to international tournaments.”
Kolawole recalled that Kogi state boxers have represented the country at Africa, Commonwealth and Olympic games and won medals for Nigeria. His hope is that this tourney will bring about the sport’s resurgence in that state.
Earlier, Gabriel Arome, the Commissioner for Sports, pledged total support to ensure the success of the championship.
