OLYMPIAN and 2006 Commonwealth Games boxing silver medallist, Adura Olalehin, has said that arrangements have been concluded to organise the Eyitayo Jegede Movement Boxing Tourney on Saturday, December 29 in Akure, the Ondo State capital.
According to the former light heavyweight boxer, the event will take place at the Ondo State Sports Hall, Akure from 12 noon.
“I have decided to organise this boxing tournament in appreciation of the invaluable contributions of Mr Eyitayo Jegede to sports development in Ondo State. In fact, he once captained the the University of Lagos volleyball team and represented the old Ondo State at the fourth National Sports Festival, Oluyole ’79.
“He has always encouraged athletes in the state to honour tournaments through financial support and I believe he deserves to be honoured as well by having a major championship in his honour.
“Also, having a championship like this would assist the state to discover more potential boxers at grass roots level who can be groomed to become professionals in the near future. Our vision is that from this maiden edition on Saturday, it would be an event to look forward to every year God willing. Ondo State is equally known for boxing in the country and we have a lot of talents who are waiting to be fished out and exposed to realise their dreams,” said Adura, 2007 All Africa Games light heavyweight bronze medallist.
The 2004 Olympian, Adura, stated that seven bouts will be staged during the event, adding that the best boxer of the night will go home with a belt.
“I’m happy to be involved in the development of boxing which brought me to limelight too and logistics have been put in place to make this event a memorable one,” Adura said.
“We want to make this event as colourful as possible and hopefully, we hope for a good turnout that would also inspire these young boxers to put in their best,” he added.