Ugandan boxing coach, Mohammed Alhassan has lauded the the ongoing Yucateco boxing League in Lagos, saying it provides young boxers with the opportunity to showcase their potential on the international scene.
Alhassan, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sidelines of the heat of the boxing show on Friday – yesterday, February 7- said he had no doubts that the young lads displaying their pugilistic skills in the championship would be future champions.
He eulogised the organisers and the sponsors for working hard to put the show together, and for extending invitation to boxers from other nationals.
“It’s a great privilege to be here and compete with other boxers from other countries, we are happy about the organisation and hope to be here some other time.
“It’s a great boxing show for us at the amateur levels indeed it is an eye opener and a wonderful platform for young boxers to prove their skills.
“With more competitive events like this, young and upcoming boxers will have a lot of confidence that the future is very bright and it is worth embracing.
“I hope in the future, the event can be hosted in other African countries,” Alhassan said.
Similarly, Pauline Assogba, a fighter from the Republic of Benin, said that the boxing League had offered her the opportunity to prove herself having won her bout over a Nigerian pugilist, adding that she looked forward to fighting more bouts in the amateur level in Nigeria, confident she would get good and fair judgement.
Another boxer who made headlines after defeating his opponent in his weight category, Shakur Mugambe, said he was happy to record a win at the end of the day.
“It feels great to be in Nigeria to fight at this level of my boxing career; it has given me the opportunity to believe in myself and prepare my mind ahead of the future.
“The boxing event is an international standard. I hope the organisers will continue to invite other African boxers in the future,” Mugambe said.
Meanwhile in bouts decided on Friday, Samuel Dahunsi from Nigeria recorded a walk-over result on Benedict Tetteh of Republic of Benin in the 52kg of their fight.
Faruk Osikoya of Nigeria outclassed Gabriel Addo of Ghana, recording a straight 5-0 unanimous decision in their 52kg bout.
Mayowa Gbadeyan of Nigeria beat Peter Okoro from the Republic of Benin also recording 5-0 by way of unanimous decision in their 56kg bout.
Quam Musefiu of Nigeria recorded a 3-2 split decision over Ugandan Balyegesa Benon in a closely contested fight that brought the best out of both boxers in their 56kg bout.
Habeb Ajishola from Nigeria edged his Nigerian counterpart, Riliwan Salawu, by recording an emphatic 5-0 unanimous decision to win their 60kg bout.
Meanwhile Shakur Mugambe of Uganda crushed Agbotomey Hounkpe of Republic of Benin, 5-0 in a unanimous decision to win their 60kg bout.
Nigeria’s Abdulramon Abdulwahab mauled Ugandan Muleme Katabula, 5-0 to win their 64kg bout in a thrilling encounter.
In an all Nigeria affair, Oluwaseun Abiodun recorded a 3-2 split decision over Quosri Ilori in their 64kg bout as Pauline Assogba of Rep. Of Benin beat Nigeria’s Aliyat Adeniji in their 51kg bout.
In the female category, Nigeria’s Ayomide Moyawa narowly beat Uganda’s Maduwa Brenda, 3-2 split decision by the judges in their 51kg bout.
In another all Nigeria women affair, Kadijat Ajishola beat Hawawu Ogunmodede with a 5-0 emphatic win in their 54kg bout.
Fathia Gafar of Nigeria defeated her Nigerian counterpart, Shakirat Kareem, recording a 5-0 unanimous decision over her to win their 54kg bout.
Fathia Sulaimon from Nigeria edged her Nigerian counterpart after the five judges gave a 5-0 unanimous victory in their 60kg bout.
Still in the female category, Precious Anine beat Mutia Adebayo in their 60kg bout, recording a straight 5-0 unanimous decision from the five judges.
In the final fight of the night, Anuoluwapo Akanni from Nigeria defeated Fatimo Nabikolo from Uganda in 5-0 unanimous decision to claim theIr 60kg bout.
