The maiden edition of the South-East Amateur Boxing Championship for the male and female categories ended on Friday in Umuahia, Abia <\/a>State, with the host state emerging overall champions after winning eight gold, three silver and two bronze medals.<\/p>\n Enugu State finished second with four gold and four silver medals, while Imo State placed third with one gold, one silver and five bronze medals.<\/p>\n Anambra State came fourth with one gold and two bronze medals, while Ebonyi State managed two silver and three bronze medals.<\/p>\n Declaring the boxing championship closed, the Abia <\/a>State Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Nwaobilor Ananaba, said the five participating states displayed a high level of sportsmanship throughout the competition.<\/p>\n The commissioner, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Jane Igwe, said Governor Alex <\/a>Otti\u2019s administration is committed to developing grassroots sports to discover future champions for Abia, the South-East and Nigeria at large.<\/p>\n \u201cWe didn\u2019t just witness boxing matches; we witnessed the future of Nigerian boxing unfolding before our very eyes,\u201d the commissioner said.<\/p>\n Earlier in his speech, the Abia <\/a>State Director of Sports, Obioma George, appreciated all the participating states, coaches, officials, referees and organisers for making the maiden edition a resounding success.<\/p>\n He commended the athletes for their determination and wished all delegates a safe journey back to their respective states.<\/p>\n The star of the tournament, Chidiebere Chukwuemeka of Abia <\/a>State, said his aim is to represent Nigeria at international competitions, including the Olympic Games.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n