The inaugural South East amateur boxing championship has commenced at the Umuahia Township Stadium in Abia State, featuring early victories for host athletes.
In one of the opening bouts, Abia State’s Chidiebere Chukwuemeka defeated Ebonyi’s Chigbo Aguiyi, while Enugu’s Israel Ogbodo secured a unanimous decision win over Imo State’s Ayu Jonah after a competitive contest.
At the opening ceremony, National Sports Commission Board member Benard Nzeama said the Federal Government remains committed to identifying and nurturing boxing talents and other emerging athletes across the country. He commended the Abia State Government for its grassroots sports development efforts and expressed optimism that talents discovered at the championship would be groomed into future national stars.
Abia State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Nwaobilor Ananaba, alongside the Director of Sports, Obioma George, said the tournament was created to uncover and develop hidden boxing prospects in the region. They noted that Governor Alex Otti’s administration is investing across all sports sectors to produce new champions for the state and the South East.
They further highlighted sports as a tool for job creation, peacebuilding and youth engagement away from negative influences.
After his victory, Chidiebere Chukwuemeka said he is focused on representing the South East and Nigeria at higher levels, stressing his determination to avoid distractions.
The male and female boxing events are scheduled to continue on Thursday.
