In a bid to boost grassroots boxing and nurture emerging talent, Yucateco Boxing Promotions held a one-day boxing event titled the Yucateco/Northwest Boxing Reform and Award.
The competition took place at Bukavu Barracks in Kano, attracting participants from Nigeria’s North West region—including states like Sokoto, Zamfara, Jigawa, Kebbi, Katsina, Kaduna, and Kano.
Mr. Omonle Yakubu Imadu, the Core Founder of Yucateco, highlighted the initiative’s purpose:
“Our goal is to identify and support young athletes in the region, providing the structure they need to excel both in the ring and beyond.”
Yucateco aims to uplift grassroots boxing, especially in underdeveloped regions of Africa, by hosting regular competitions and nurturing talent through mentorship and character-building.
The tournament showcased intense competition across several weight categories.
In the 46-48 kg division, Zakariyya Ado from Kaduna triumphed over Abubakar Salisu of Zamfara, while Muhammad Tarik of Kano defeated Sani Ali Bashir from Katsina.
In the 54 kg category, Abubakar Ibrahim from Kano bested Rabiu Yahuza of Sokoto, and other standout victories included Ali Rabiu’s win over Faruk Ibrahim and Bashir Ali’s success against Iro Ibrahim.
In the 60 kg division, Sadiq Salisu from Sokoto, Muhammad Bala, and Nasiru Abubakar from Katsina emerged as winners. For the 64-66 kg category, Abubakar Ussaini from Kano and Abdulladir Bala from Katsina defeated their opponents, Ibrahim Zakari of Katsina and Idris Muhammad of Jigawa, respectively.
Victorious athletes in each category received twenty thousand naira, while runners-up were awarded ten thousand naira. Additionally, the event honored prominent sports personalities for their exceptional contributions to boxing and sports development in the region. The awardees included:
1. Dr. Ibrahim Galadima MFR – Galadiman Fagge
2. Ibrahim Umar Yakubu – Acting Chairman, KSSC
3. Garba Shehu – Director of Sports (Technical), KSSC
4. Brig. Gen. A.M. Tukur – Commandant, 3rd Brigade
5. Abba Abdullahi Yola (Chiroman Yola)
6. AbdulKarim Haruna – Former Boxing Coach, Kano
7. Lurwanu Idris Malikawa Garu – Former SWAN Chairman
8. Hon. Muhammad Ali, Kaduna
9. Alh. Ibrahim Zango, Kaduna
10. Engr. Habu Ahmad Gumel, Jigawa State
11. Sani Labo, Katsina State
12. AbdulLatif Raji, Zamfara State
13. Muhammad Mijinyawa, Sokoto State
The competition marks a significant step in Yucateco’s mission to foster boxing talent in Nigeria and Africa, empowering a new generation of athletes with the skills and opportunities needed to succeed in the sport.
