Kogi state Boxing Association have concluded plans to host a National Boxing Championships in honor of the state governor, Yahaya Bello come August 2017.
The chairman Kogi state Boxing Association, Prince Mathew Kolawole made this known after the inauguration of the committee in Lokoja.
Kolawole said the tournament will help Kogi and the North Central rediscover hidden talents in the region.
The board member of the Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF) representing the North Central said national boxers and coaches will storm the state capital as cash prizes will be doled out.
“The tournament is tagged governor Yahaya Bello National Boxing Championship to honor him because coincidentally, the governor use to be a boxer”.
“The championships is in three phases; Champion of Champions, Under 21 and under U16 which is to groom upcoming boxers to stardom. After the event, we hope Kogi boxers that wins their bouts will be sponsored to international tournaments” said Kolawole.
He recalled that Kogi state boxers have represented the country at Africa, Commonwealth and Olympic games winning medals adding that with this event, Boxing in the state will rise again.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Sports, Gabriel Arome pledged total support to the success of the championship.