Organisers of the Street Rumble Boxing competition have unveiled plans for the second edition of the grassroots tournament, aimed at discovering young boxing talents and steering youths away from drug abuse and other social vices. Speaking in Lagos, the Chief Executive Officer of Matchmakers International Sports, Mike Adeyemo, said the one-day event, scheduled for Dec. 13, will provide aspiring boxers with a platform to pursue professional careers and compete on the global stage.
Adeyemo said the competition will feature multiple weight categories, including female bouts, with former Olympic gold medallist and ex-world heavyweight champion Ray Mercer expected to attend. He noted that the initiative is designed to take boxing to the grassroots and create opportunities for talented athletes who might otherwise go unnoticed.
The Lagos State Sports Commission and the Nigerian Boxing Board of Control (NBBC) endorsed the initiative, describing it as an effective tool for youth engagement and crime reduction. Officials urged organisers to remain consistent, expressing confidence that the competition would produce future champions capable of representing Nigeria internationally, while also calling on corporate organisations to support the project through corporate social responsibility initiatives.
Boxer Benjamin Abu, who featured in the maiden edition, said the competition helped him return to boxing after overcoming drug abuse, describing it as a life-changing opportunity. He encouraged young people facing similar challenges to remain hopeful, as organisers promised an even bigger event with stronger competition and greater opportunities for emerging talents.
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