Enugu State Boxing Association Holds Memorial Competition in honour of Late Chairman

By Amaechi Agbo

Keep the memory of their former chairman alive, the Enugu State Boxing Association on Tuesday held a memorial boxing show in honour of their late boss, Chief Osondu Ogbu

 Tagged “Old Skool Boxing Extravaganza”, the show was held at the Independence Layout with athletes from Enugu, Imo and Anambra States participating. .

Chairperson of the Enugu State Boxing Association, Mrs Amaka Ogbu, while speaking with the media, explained the essence of the game.

She noted that the show was to honour her late husband who loved and lived boxing till he died in February 2024. She expressed joy on the large turn out of boxers from the South East region and expressed optimism that the show could become a yearly boxing activity.

“My late husband and chairman of the Boxing Association died in February last year. We wanted to hold the show during his burial but it didn’t work out so we shifted it to his first memorial service. He lived and died boxing. I am elated because everything that happened here are to his name.

“By God’s grace, we will make it an annual event if we have sponsors,” she said.

Despite the heavy down pour, the show witnessed a high intensity, electrifying and competitive atmosphere,

In his word, Vice Chairman of the Association, David Ebubechukwu Nwobodo stated that the boxers have the potentials to go places, noting that sustainability and sponsorship is paramount in the development of the game.

In some of the results obtained, Enugu’s Shedrack put-up  a scintillating performance against Emmanuel (Imo) vie a TKO in 7Okg class, while the centre referee had to stop the contest between Etibong from Ebonyi State and Chisom (Imo) as a result of injury sustained by the fighter from Ebonyi State

In 69kg class, it was Ayo (Enugu) who came out tops against Ugochukw (Enugu), while Theophilus (Enugu) stopped Ebonyi’ Ugwusinachi courtesy of the referee’s decision.

Also, Israel Ogbodo in lightweight category showed class and dominance as he out-boxed his opponent, just as Kelechi was victorious in the 8Okg category, another puncher in Daniel.