The maiden South East amateur boxing championship, being hosted by Abia State, has kicked off at Umuahia township stadium, with Chidiebere Chukwuemeka of Abia State, defeating his opponent, Chigbo Aguiyi of Ebonyi State.

 

 

Also, Israel Ogbodo of Enugu State defeated Ayu Jonah of Imo State during a fierce encounter and was declared the winner through a unanimous decision by the game’s officials.

 

Speaking at the opening ceremony, a Board member of the National Sports Commission, NSC, Benard Nzeama said that the Federal government through the Commission, is determined to discover and develop raw talents in boxing and other sports.

 

 

Nzeama, who said that all talents discovered from the South East amateur boxing championship will be developed to become future stars for the South East and Nigeria, thanked the Abia State government for its grassroots sports initiatives.

 

In their speeches, Abia State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Nwaobilor Ananaba, and Abia State Director of Sports, Obioma George, said the amateur boxing championship was designed by the State government to discover and nurture hidden boxing stars in the region.

 

 

Ananaba and George explained that Governor Alex Otti was interested in developing every sector of sports in the State, adding that the championship will help Abia State and the South East at large to produce new boxing kings for Nigeria.

 

The State official noted sports had become a powerful tool used by the State government to create employment, foster peace, and discourage teenagers from deviant activities.

 

Speaking to UGAMATV after his victory, Chidiebere Chukwuemeka of Abia State said “I am hungry to represent the South East and Nigeria at an international boxing championship and I am avoiding every distraction.”

 

The male and female categories of the boxing championship will continue today, Thursday.