Yucateco, Boxing Associations Hold North West Boxing Reform Tournament By Musbahu Bala Cediyar Yan Gurasa The Yucateco, in collaboration with the North West State Boxing Associations, organized a boxing reform tournament among young players at the Headquarter 3 Brigade, Bukavu Barracks in Kano State. The tournament took place On Saturday, November 23rd, 2024, Aso during the tournament Some Important deginitiries were honoured for there different outstanding sports development. Seven northwestern states, including Jigawa, Kaduna, Katsina, Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, and the host state Kano, participated in the tournament. Yucateco Chairman Omoleyi Yakubu Emmanuel expressed his delight with the talent displayed during the event, noting that the region has immense potential but lacks encouragement and investment in boxing development. Emmanuel called on state governments and private companies to invest more in boxing, emphasizing that with the region’s large population, significant investments, and encouragement, they can harness the best talents. The Commandant of the Headquarter 3 Brigade Bukavu Barracks, Brigadier General A.M Tukur, thanked Yucateco for choosing Kano to host the event and expressed readiness to host more events in the future. Brigadier General Tukur highlighted the importance of boxing in the army, stating that it increases confidence and bravery. The event also recognized outstanding contributions to sports development, with awards presented to notable recipients, including former Chairman NFA and Former Kano State Sports Commission Dr. Ibrahim Galadima, SWAN National Ex-Officio Rilwanu Idris Malikawa, and Ag Chairman Sports Commission Alh. Ibrahim Umar Fagge FIFA This is the full list of the awards 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. 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 states that participated from North Western region of Nigeria—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: