The 9th Edition of the speaker Enugu State House of Assembly Grassroots Boxing Talent Hunt Exercise tagged “Roaring Lion Boxing Championship”, has ended with champions emerging in different categories.
The exciting event which took place on Wednesday, 30th September, 2026 at Parliament Hall, PPSMB Headquarters, Enugu saw the participation of young promising boxers that thrilled the fans.
In the Male – Flyweight Category, Maxwell Anikwe defeated Victor Ani by 4-1 (Split Decision) while Jude Ugwuanyi defeated Presley Ani by 5-0 (Unanimous Decision)
For the Female – Flyweight Category,
Favour Hillary defeated Blessing Ani by 3-2 (Split Decision).
Hanto Daily News reports that new talents discovered at the championship include: Maxwell Anikwe, 50kg from Nkanu West; Jude Ugwuanyi, 60kg from Nsukka; Hilary Favour, 55kg, female, Enugu North; Peter Abonyi, 50kg, Isi-Uzo and Kingsley Ossai, 49kg from Isi-Uzo.
Speaking while declaring the event open, the South East Coordinator of the National Sports Commission, NSC, Bernard Ezema, thanked the Speaker and the ALGON for sponsoring the boxing talent exercise, pointing out that such talent hunt events create opportunities to produce future international stars.
In his speech, chairman of the Post Primary Schools Management Board, PPSMB, Rev. Fr. Hilary Mgbodile, lauded the Speaker for his interest in catching them young, attributed their partnership with him to this vision.
The sponsor of the boxing talent hunt and speaker Enugu State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Uche C. Ugwu, commended the participants, the PPSMB for their partnership, and made it clear that Enugu State is endowed with a lot of young people desirous of being empowered to better their lots in sports.
“The tournament is a talent hunt. If you come to our state, we have a lot of youth population. You know boxing is a very lucrative business just like football, boxing is very lucrative. Talents are there waiting and we want to harness them,” the speaker noted.
Speaking earlier, Mazi Ikechukwu Okonkwo Coordinator of Speaker ENHA Grassroots Boxing event, thanked the Coordinator National Sports Commission, Chairman PPSMB, P.R.O PPSMB, Staffs, Games masters, press, supporters, and the fearless young boxers gathered for the occasion.
According to Mazi Okoronkwo, “what we are witnessing right now isn’t just a competition-it is the continuation of an extraordinary legacy. For over eight years, this Speaker ENHA grassroots talent hunt has been a battleground of hope, a stage where raw passion meets discipline, and where future legends take their very first steps.”
He pointed out that apart from the financial benefits that accrue from sports, it builds the body and makes it stronger.
“First, boxing builds unshakeable health and resilience. Every round trained, every jump rope session, and every minute in the ring builds a sharp mind, cardiovascular strength, and peak physical discipline. It teaches our youth to take care of their bodies and minds.
“Second, boxing teaches self-defense and self-control. It instills the confidence to stand tall, the discipline to avoid conflict, and the skill to protect oneself when necessary. It turns energy into purpose, and focus into composure,” he said, pointing out that “boxing offers a real career pathway and financial opportunity. This is not just a sport; it is an industry. For the young men and women boxing today, this boxing ring is the stepping stone to professional ranks, national representation, and life-changing earnings.
“Boxing can take a young athlete from local streets to international arenas, creating sustainable livelihoods and lifting whole families out of tough circumstances. Like the likes of Anthony Joshua, Mike Tyson and Muhammed Ali,” he said and encouraged the young talents to aspire to greater height,” the Ex-International Boxer stated.
Some of the newly discovered talents, including, Jude Ugwuanyi, and Favour Hilary, expressed gratitude to the organizers and made it clear that it has been their desire to tow the path of boxing greats.
