All is now set for the inaugural edition of the South East Boxing League tagged “the south east boxing challenge” scheduled to box off in August, and the Enugu State Boxing Association (ESBA) has been intensifying plans and preparations for it’s contingents ahead of the competition.
The league which is a brain child of the South East Boxing representatives and the Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF) would witness states like Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo and Akabo Akabuzue Boxing Academy (Imo) face off from the 6th August, 2022 in a home and away format.
Power sports correspondent, Ugo Okeiyi who monitored the morning training session of the athletes at the Sports Council, Off Nkponkiti road, Independence Layout over the weekend noted that the puglists are in high spirit and are confident of putting up a good performance when the league begins.
Speaking in an exclusive interview, Head Coach, Enugu State Boxing Association, Blaise Udeh revealed that the competition is the first of its kind in the country, adding that the league is also an avenue to raise and upgrade the south east boxers that can compete favourably at local and international level.
Responding to the chances of the state contingents ahead of the forthcoming tournament, the awgu born trainer expresses satisfaction over the performance of athletes in previous championships, stating that the league will put the athletes in shape ahead of subsequent competitions.
In his words, Ebuka Ozodo who would be competing in the welterweight category, emphasised on how prepared they have been, stressing that apprehension is a thing of the mind and with better training programs one would achieve victory.
Also speaking, silver medalist at the just concluded 2022 National Open Boxing Championship in Kaduna, Somoto Udeh reiterated his displeasure over the kind of treatment metted out to the athletes before, during and after competition, stating that it is absolutely negligence on the part of the state government.
However, Team Enugu comprising of 25 male and 6 female would begin it’s campaign at home against their Imo State counterparts on 6th of August, at the state boxing gym hall, Sports Council.
