The Enugu State Boxing Coach, Blaise Udeh has urged youths in the state to take boxing as a career to earn decent living.
Udeh said this in an interview with Journalists in preparation for the forthcoming “Dr Peter Ndubuisi Mbah Boxing Tournament” scheduled to take place in Enugu from Feb. 12 to 14, 2024.
According to him, the tournament, sponsored by a private individual, was being used to fish out budding boxing talents to represent the state at national and international competitions.
Udeh said that part of the essence of the competition was to have more youths in boxing in Enugu state.
“To engage the youths, to take them out of the streets and to empower them, hence I am focusing more on new discoveries
“I want the youths to know that boxing develops your skills, it is for you and you alone, so, come out and showcase your skill, ” he said.
According to him, 12 boxers are already training in Enugu for the tournament while more are going to join from across the 17 local government areas and others, who may like to try their luck.
“Apart from discovering new talents, we are also using it to select players for the national sports festival and other national competitions, ” Udeh said.
He said though the prize money for the tournament has not been made known, there was going to be gold, silver and bronze for first, second and third placed winners.
The coach commended the Commissioner for Youth and Sports development in the state, Lloyd Ekweremmadu for his interest in developing boxing and other sports.
“We have a commissioner who is much interested in youth and sports development, he is presently working hard to ensure the growth of boxing and other sports in the state.
“Though government is doing it’s best but government cannot do everything hence we are calling on organizations and private individuals to sponsor boxing in Enugu State, ” Udeh said.
