Nigerian Finance Minister, Wale Edun who expressed satisfaction with the standard of the boxers in the 13th Ogun Boxing Hall of Fame has underscored the need for well-meaning individuals to support the athletes at the grassroots levels.
The minister who was represented by the coordinator, Boxing Hall of Fame, Mr. David Muhammed, explained that the essence of the competition was to grow talents and nurture them into stardom.
The 13th monthly Boxing show was held on Saturday at the indoor hall of Alake Sports Complex, Ijeja, Abeokuta, the Ogun state capital.
Hon. Edun pointed out that plans were underway to ensure that the boxers discovered during the championship were closely monitored.
Meanwhile, the Ogun state government has described the Ogun Boxing Hall of Fame championship as a good platform to prepare the state’s athletes for the forthcoming National Sports Festival as well as discover new talents that will be nurtured to replace ageing boxers in the state.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youths and Sports, Dr. Qudus Yusuf noted that the competition was also being used to test run facilities to be used for the hosting of the Games in 2024.
He expressed confidence on the readiness of the state in preparing its athletes with series of competitions to keep them in shape and also provide the needed facilities for the successful hosting of the festival, come next year.
Fighting in the men’s 71kg weight category, Oladimeji Solanke defeated Kasali Tajudeen via a 5-0 unanimous decision to claim the gold medal and cash prize while Qudus Adebayo out-punched Tawo Razaq with a 2-1 split decision in the men’s 60kg weight category to win the cash prize.
In the 44kg male category, Qudus Adeniran beat Sulaimon Onabanjo 5-0 in a unanimous decision; Oluwaseun Bankole defeated Sarah Adepoju on Technical decision in the 46kg female category after both boxers were tied on points while Ayomide Akinsanya also beat Ibrahim Gafar on a unanimous decision.
Speaking to journalists shortly after declared winner, Oladimeji Solanke of Efele Boxing Club who won his bout in the 71 kilogramme category, said his desire was to represent the country at international championship.
The bronze medalist at a championship in Kaduna thanked the organized for allowing him to showcase his talent.
