The northwest of Nigeria is known for its rich tradition in combat sports, particularly Hausa boxing, also known as Dambe. However, modern boxing in the region has struggled to gain traction and develop the infrastructure needed to thrive. Despite the potential, boxing faces several challenges that hinder its growth, including a lack of investment, limited career opportunities for fighters, and a shortage of qualified referees.
One of the key issues identified by boxing promoters is the absence of infrastructure to support the sport’s development. Many young athletes do not see boxing as a viable career path, and there is a shortage of trained referees and judges. In fact, only one referee from the north is currently qualified to officiate at national events.
To address these challenges, Yucateco Boxing Promotions, led by promoter Yakubu Omolye Imadu, is working to tap into the region’s untapped talent and bring boxing back to the spotlight. According to Imadu:
“When we discovered the vacuum and where we need to support this great sport to bring it back into the limelight as it was in the ’80s, we saw that there is something peculiar. Over time, among over 570 Nigerian pugilists, there are not many from the north. When you see the traditional Hausa boxing, it shows that northerners have that innate ability to thrive in the sport.”
Imadu’s words highlight the deep-rooted connection the north has with combat sports, particularly Dambe, and how this cultural heritage could translate into success in modern boxing with the right support and infrastructure.
The Role of the Nigerian Army in Boxing’s Revival
The support Yucateco Boxing Promotions recieved from the hosts of the event – 3rd Brigade of the Nigerian Army at Bukavu Barracks in Kano State is a significant step toward revitalizing boxing in the northwest. The Nigerian Army has long been involved in supporting sports, and Brigadier General M.A. Tukur, Commander of the 3rd Brigade, emphasized the army’s commitment to boxing during the event:
“As a military person, it’s mandatory to partner with such organizations that bring the sport into the limelight because it encourages confidence and courage, which resonates with the military.”
He added that while he supports efforts to revive the sport, he also recommended more investment in protective gear for athletes to ensure their safety during bouts: “It’s important for us to identify with efforts to revitalize the sport, although I would want to advise that more gear be provided for the safety of the athletes.”
The Future of Boxing in the Northwest
The event, which featured ten exciting bouts, showcased the region’s rising boxing talent. These young fighters are poised to represent their states at the upcoming National Sports Festival in Abeokuta in January, where they will have the chance to prove themselves on a national stage.
Here are the results from the 10 bouts:
- Zakaria Ado (Kaduna) defeated Abubakar Salisu (Zamfara)
- Tarik Muhammad (Kano) defeated Sani Ali Bashi (Katsina)
- Abubakar Ibrahim (Zamfara) won against Rabiu Yahuza (Kano)
- Ali Rabiu (Kano) defeated Faruk Ibrahim (Kaduna)
- Bashir Ali (Katsina) defeated Iro Ibrahim (Kano)
- Ibrahim Usman (Zamfara) defeated Sadik Salisu (Sokoto)
- Muhammad Bala (Kano) defeated Ibrahim Yusuf (Katsina)
- Nasiru Abubakar (Katsina) defeated Nurudeen Ridwan (Zamfara)
- Abdullahi Hussaini (Kano) defeated Ibrahim Zakari (Katsina) in the 64-66kg category
- Abdulkadir Bala (Katsina) defeated Idris Muhammad (Jigawa)
As these athletes prepare for the National Sports Festival, there is hope that boxing in the northwest will continue to grow and attract the attention it deserves.
Looking Ahead
Yucateco Boxing Promotions is committed to not only showcasing the talent of these young boxers but also to improving boxing infrastructure in the region. With more investment in the sport, better career opportunities for fighters, and increased support from organizations like the Nigerian Army, the future of boxing in the northwest looks promising. There is a wealth of talent in the north, and with the right guidance, the region could soon be home to some of Nigeria’s next boxing champions.
