Top African boxers Alcinda Dos Santos from Mozambique and Patrick Chinyemba from Zambia have for the first time spoken about how the IBA prize money has changed their lives.
Ethiopian Boxing Federation, top African boxing coaches and boxers have hailed the first-ever IBA Champions’ Night card in Africa, describing it as a major milestone in the development of boxing through staging large events in the continent.
In what was an immaculate and meticulously organised boxing showdown by the IBA in conjunction with the African Boxing Confederation (AFBC) and the local federation, Ethiopians packed the Adwa Museum hall in their hundreds to witness this historic occasion in Africa competing on 17 August.
As the excitement and pride lingers on, celebrated African boxers, two-time African champion and world silver medallist Alcinda Dos Santos and newly-crowned IBA African flyweight champion Patrick “Baddo” Chinyemba, have spoken on how the prize money in International Boxing Association tournaments has changed their lives for the better.
‘When it rained, we all got wet because of the poor structure, I got better, and now I have my own house thanks to the IBA prize money,’ said Alcinda.
She went on: ‘The IBA has made the dreams of many boxers worldwide become a reality. With the IBA prize money we have had the opportunity to go back to school, and invest for the future.’
‘I had a family that sometimes survived on one meal per day, and when it rained, we all got wet inside the house. It got better, now I have my own beautiful house living comfortably with my family members, and we no longer suffer from the rain. Many thanks to the entire IBA team especially President Umar Kremlev who has tirelessly worked for the improvement of boxers’ lives through prize money tournaments. That’s a huge achievement, it never happened before, and we understand the great things that he has done.’
Alcinda said she felt so proud watching African boxers in action on home soil in the inaugural Champions’ Night card in Addis Ababa and called on the IBA to stage more high-profile tournaments to boost the confidence of African boxers and improve their lives through the attractive prize money.
Zambia’s boxing posterboy who is the African Games gold medallist and Commonwealth Games bronze medallist was on cloud nine at the Adwa Museum hall as he danced with his signature right-handed salute. AFBC President Eyassu Berhanu and Ethiopian Sports Minister Shewit Shanka joined him in the ring not only to celebrate his victory but also the milestone in Africa boxing in a razzmatazz kind of atmosphere akin to what happens in the world’s boxing capital, Las Vegas in the USA.
‘I was so excited to win the IBA African flyweight title, I’m looking forward to the opportunity for a World title against World and two-time Olympic champion Hasanboy Dusmatov,’ said a joyful Chinyemba who scored a fourth-round technical knockout victory over Ghana’s African Games bronze medallist Theophilus “Lopez” Allotey.
‘Apart from winning my first-ever belt, I’m so grateful for IBA prize money tournaments. I have bought land in Lusaka, I’m now planning to build by own house,’ said Chinyemba, in hopes for more fights to fulfil his dream of owning his house. ‘The IBA is really doing a great job offering us prize money.’
The same sentiments were echoed by Allotey who said the days of boxers fighting only for medals are long gone.
‘We can’t eat medals, we need money to improve our lives because we can’t be in boxing forever,’ said Allotey, now a professional boxer with three victorious fights to his name.
Tanzania’s Africa and Commonwealth Games light-heavyweight bronze medallist Yusuf Changalawe and the secretary-general of the Boxing Federation of Tanzania (BFT) Makore Mashaga were all in agreement the IBA prize money tournaments have ushered in a new era in amateur boxing.
‘The IBA’s prize money in a single fight is way above what pro boxers in Africa are earning,’ said Mashaga with Changalawe adding: ‘If the IBA continue staging more prize money tournaments many boxers will improve their lives, for my prize money in Addis Ababa I am going to buy land and build my own house because it’s very important to have your own shelter.’
Ethiopian Boxing Federation through their Media and Communication Director Dawit Wasihun Kassa, has described the first ever IBA Champions’ Night event as game changer in Ethiopia’s boxing.
‘The well-organised event attracted attention from boxing enthusiasts in Ethiopia, other parts of Africa, dignitaries alike, creating an atmosphere of excitement and anticipation,’ Kassa said.
‘For many Ethiopians,’ he went on, ‘this was not just a sporting event but a moment of national pride. The historical significance of the venue combined with the vibrancy of Ethiopian culture created a unique backdrop that resonated deeply with local and international audiences.’
‘Ethiopians received the IBA Champions’ Night with immense enthusiasm and pride as it provided them an opportunity to watch world-class boxers on home soil. The event was a celebration of athletics prowess and cultural heritage, drawing large crowds who cheered passionately their boxers in action. The legacy of this historic day will undoubtedly be remembered for years to come, fostering growth and development of boxing across the continent.’
The Ethiopian Federation and the African Boxing Confederation (AFBC) President Eyassu Wossen was unanimous on the impact of the Champions’ Night show in the country’s boxing history.
‘More Ethiopian boxers were inspired by the event and others will take up boxing from what they witnessed, the event showcased boxing talent of the continent and offers more hope to African boxers that they can improve their lives through boxing,’ said Wossen who also hosted guests including IBA representatives in the inauguration of AFBC Headquarters in Addis Ababa presided over by Sports Minister Shewit Shanka.
‘The inauguration of the headquarters is a big leap forward in elevating African boxing management to a new height. I’m grateful to the IBA for their support, long live President Umar Kremlev,’ said Wossen.
Zambia’s national team head coach Wisdom Mudenda and Ghana’s technical director of boxing Dr Ofori Asare were equally excited and full of praise for IBA’s spirited efforts to improve the boxing standards in Africa and the lifestyle of boxers.
Mudenda said: ‘It was a good experience being part of the inaugural IBA Champions’ Night to be held in Africa. The introduction of prize money is really encouraging boxers to have something to show after retiring from active sport. The package is reasonable for a boxer to invest. It was so painful to see boxers become destitute after retiring but with IBA prize money events, boxers will be able to live a comfortable life after retiring. We have seen many former boxers languishing in the streets because of selfish promoters. I believe the primary role of a promoter is to take care of and protect the welfare of the boxers. I salute the IBA for this beneficial venture to boxers, the first of its kind under President Umar Kremlev.’
Asare was overjoyed by the IBA Champions’ Night in Africa and the fact that his boxer Allotey was invited for the historic day.
‘I think the IBA is doing great, paying for travel and accommodation as well as paying the boxers,’ said Asare.
‘Hats off to IBA for improving the welfare of boxers. Our wonderful AFBC President Eyassu Wossen has done marvellously well for working hard for such a big event to be held in Africa.’
Credut: Iba.sport