Lagos to Host Inaugural WBC-ABU Amateur Boxing Championship in February 2025

Lagos is gearing up to host the inaugural World Boxing Council (WBC) African Boxing Union (ABU) Amateur Boxing Championship, an event that will bring together 50 talented boxers from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Nigeria. Scheduled to take place from February 6 to 8, 2025, at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Indoor Sports Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium, this groundbreaking tournament is set to mark a new chapter for amateur boxing on the African continent.

The WBC, one of the most prestigious organizations in the world of professional boxing, has long been synonymous with excellence, producing some of the greatest champions in the sport’s history, such as Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson, and Floyd Mayweather Jr. With its iconic green and gold championship belts, the WBC’s involvement in this tournament underscores its commitment to nurturing amateur talent and expanding the reach of boxing globally.

The African Boxing Union (ABU), a regional arm of the WBC, has been instrumental in developing boxing across Africa. It provides governance and support for the sport on the continent, creating pathways for African boxers to transition from amateur to professional levels. Bringing this tournament to Lagos signals a concerted effort by both organizations to spotlight African talent and elevate the profile of the sport across the region.

Organized by Yucateco Boxing Promotions in partnership with the WBC and ABU, the championship will feature a knockout-style format, serving as a crucial qualifier for the WBC Amateur Boxing World Cup later this year in Mexico. Winners in each weight category will be awarded medals, while the Most Valuable Boxers in both male and female divisions will earn the coveted WBC belts, symbols of excellence and recognition in the sport.

Speaking at a media parley ahead of the tournament, Yucateco Boxing CEO Omonlei Imadu and Technical Director Babatunde Laguda highlighted the event’s significance. Imadu described the championship as a historic milestone for African boxing, particularly for Nigeria, emphasizing that the tournament provides a unique platform for boxers to showcase their talent and gain international recognition.

“This event is a groundbreaking moment for amateur boxing on the continent,” Imadu said. “Hosting the first-ever WBC amateur tournament in Africa is no small feat, and I’m especially proud that it’s happening in my home country, Nigeria. We are bringing the world to Lagos, and the presence of WBC President Mauricio Sulaimán and ABU President Houcine Houichi underscores the importance of this occasion.”

The tournament holds immense promise for Nigerian boxing. By hosting an event of this caliber, Nigeria is positioning itself as a hub for amateur boxing on the continent. It provides local boxers with the opportunity to compete against their African counterparts, gain valuable experience, and showcase their talent on a global stage. Such exposure is critical for Nigerian pugilists, as it opens doors to future tournaments and international competitions.

Moreover, this event comes at a time when boxing in Nigeria is gradually on a decline, as seen in the disappointing performance at the 2024 Olympics. Out of the four boxers who represented the country, some faced disqualification due to doping violations, while the others were knocked out early in the competition. The tournament, therefore, presents an opportunity to rebuild and revitalize Nigerian boxing by developing a new crop of disciplined and well-prepared athletes.

Ultimately, this tournament signifies a turning point for Nigerian boxing, blending talent, opportunity, and global recognition to elevate the sport to new heights. With Lagos as the epicenter of this historic event, the future looks bright for Nigerian pugilists striving to make their mark on the world stage.