All is now set for the maiden edition of Ibom Chronicle Boxing Championships in Akwa Ibom state.

Organisers say the boxing event will hold on 1 October, 2019 at the Uyo Township Stadium.

Chairman, Organising Committee of Ibom Chronicle Boxing Championships, Mr Theophilus Udo said the grassroots tournament is geared towards discovering and grooming potential world champions in addition to preparing athletes for the Junior African Championships and the 2020 National Sports Festival in Edo State.

“In the years past we have seen many persons invest a lot in football, Ibom Chronicle saw the need to revive boxing in Akwa Ibom State, that is why we came up with this,” Udo told newsmen.

The efficacy of grassroots tournaments was demonstrated at the recently concluded Fifth National Youth Games in Ilorin, Kwara State where the duo of Miracle Eshiet Joe and Emmanuel Akpan won Gold for Akwa Ibom state demonstrating the need for competitions of this sort to unearth more talented athletes.

Mr Udo said five states including Akwa Ibom and two Sports Clubs will participate in the tournament.

“Five states have been confirmed for the event which includes Cross River, Rivers, Bayelsa, Abia and Akwa Ibom.

“We want better competition that is why we have invited these states, so Akwa Ibom Boxers will know where they stand and prepare well for the Junior Championships,” he added.

Boxers will compete for medals and cash prizes in six divisions spilt into three junior and senior categories respectively.

The Junior category includes the 46 kg male, 54 kg male and 54kg male and female classes while the senior category is made up of the 56 kg male, 75 kg male and 81kg female categories.

Athletes are expected in the state on the 30 September with the competition commencing on the 1 October, 2019.