Boxing & MMA Hall of Fame Hosts Amateur Championship for South-south States

The Boxing and MMA Hall of Fame hosted the South-south edition of the National Amateur Boxing and MMA Championships at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium indoor sports hall in Benin City, Edo State. The event got a great deal of interest as more than 50 skilled fighters from the South-south states of Edo, Bayelsa, Rivers, Cross River, Akwa-Ibom, and Delta, showed off their proficiency in both MMA and boxing.

Under the Global Association of Mixed Martial Arts (GAMMA) rules, the MMA tournament delivered pulse-pounding action through 10 intense bouts, featuring a range of weight categories. The female 65kg category was one of the most talked-about matchups, as Edo’s own Obala Joy faced off against Delta’s Success Johnson in a clash that had the crowd on their feet. Rivers State’s Precious Ejiogu went head-to-head with Cross River’s Precious Ajiboye in the 55kg female category, while Delta’s Victor Ikoko battled Rivers’ Okorie Selix in the male 70kg division.

The crowd erupted as Gabriel Karo of Edo State clinched the gold in the male 60kg category, overcoming fierce competition from Cross River’s Damilare Ayilaran. In the female 65kg division, Joy Obala brought glory to Edo with a hard-earned victory, cementing her place at the top. Felix Okorie from Rivers State also clinched the top spot in the 70kg male category.  competition which was fierce, with fighters from across the South-south, showing that they are true warriors ready to step onto the national stage.

The boxing ring was no less exhilarating, as seven bouts across various weight categories saw fighters trading blows and strategies in a battle for glory. One of the most intense matchups of the tournament was in the female 67kg category, where Akwa Ibom’s Chisom Arkfort squared off against Cross River’s Nicholas Osazee. Meanwhile, Delta’s John Emeka faced Bayelsa’s Burutu Shalom in the male 67kg bout, delivering a masterclass in both offence and defence.

In the male 64kg final, Edo’s Hapry Daniel emerged victorious, sending waves of pride through the hometown crowd. Bayelsa’s Happiness Monday secured a triumph in the female 54kg category, while Edo fighters claimed the male 54kg and 75kg titles, dominating the competition.

In addition to the breathtaking action in the ring and cage, the event’s first day featured an MMA seminar under GAMMA rules, aimed at training and certifying national judges and referees. This crucial step in building the sport’s foundation in Nigeria reflects the Hall of Fame’s commitment to fostering excellence in combat sports.

“This tournament is a vital stepping stone for the South-south states,” said Mr. Rayan Fayan, a representative of the Boxing and MMA Hall of Fame. “The energy and skill we’ve seen in this tournament have exceeded our expectation. These fighters are hungry, and they’ve proven that the South-south region is a hotbed of emerging talents in both MMA and boxing.”

With regional championships continuing to build toward the national tournament, the South-south edition in Edo State has set the bar high for future competition, fueling anticipation and excitement for what’s to come.