The Africa Boxing Confederation (AFBC) President Eyassu Wossen Berhanu has expressed delight with Africa’s four countries taking part in the World Junior Championships in Yerevan, Armenia.
Berhanu said the fact that Africa is represented by 12 boxers from four countries shows Africa’s commitment to make an impression in this important tournament which has in the past produced world class pugilists.
Africa is represented by Zimbabwe, Tunisia, Rwanda and Mauritius.
“I’m very happy to see we’re represented in Yerevan, I would have liked to see more of our teams there but I do understand the financial challenges facing the African national federations,” said Berhanu.
“The tournament has been revived after eight years of inactivity and this gives our future champions a chance to compete against the best in the world at their level.
“As I’ve said previously, I’m very keen on junior and youth boxing in my development plan on Africa boxing.
“We can’t make an impact internationally without having a comprehensive junior and youth program. I will soon be releasing my plans on how we will go about this crucial stage in our ambitious efforts to rise to the top. I want all our National Federations take junior and youth boxing very seriously.”
Berhanu lauded the AFBC affiliates having junior and youth tournaments in their calendar of events but lamented lack of a systematic development towards achieving more success.
“It’s good to have junior and youth tournaments but what matters most is follow-up for the successful boxers because it makes no sense in staging the tournaments every year but after that the youngsters don’t participate in any other tournament either locally or internationally to to gauge their performance.
“AFBC will ensure there’s regular competition for our young boxers like it’s happening in Europe for instance,” said Berhanu, adding that he understands the financial constraints facing NFs which has been a big challenge but assured them of his support now that he’s at the helm of Africa boxing.
He said Africa will be well represented in next World Junior Championships because by then they will have put in place the necessary mechanisms to ensure a huge representation from Africa.
By John Nene