The chief executive officer of Yucateco Boxing Promotions, Omole Yakubu Imadu has declared that he is organising bouts in Ilorin with a view towards reviving Nigeria’s glory from the Kwara State capital.
Sports247.ng reports that the latest series of bouts organised by Yucateco drew a mammoth crowd of 8,000 spectators at the Emir of Ilorin’s palace, and Imadu described it as a testimony that boxing is back on an upwards trajectory in Nigeria.
The package, which was tagged Emirate Pan-African Title Belt, was staged to commemorate the 29th year coronation of His Royal Highness Alhaji (Dr) Sulu Gambari, also drew top rated boxers from near and far.
Among the gladiators who thrilled spectators from the roped square in The Harmony City were boxers from Togo and Benin Republic, which left Imadu truly satisfied and grinning from ear to ear.
He declared afterwards, “People would think an event like this should happen only in a place like Lekki or Victoria Island.
“But it’s not all about making money. It’s about encouraging and building a platform for those who actually need it.
“We are doing all so that the old glory of boxing that began in Kwara State can come back into limelight.”
While aiming ultimately at reviving pugilism in Nigeria, Imadu added that last weekend’s fights were also meant to honour the Emir of Ilorin during the line up of festivities for his cotonation anniversary.
“How else can we bring the best time to honour our father, the Emir of Ilorin, as a champion on the throne?
“We also want to highlight Kwara State as the one that other people need to start emulating.
“Not only for harmony, but also for their hospitality and readiness, in terms of sports development,” Imadu concluded.
