The 75th edition of Strandja Memorial Boxing Championships get underway on Friday, (February 2) in Bulgaria’s capital city, Sofia.
As usual, they’ll start with sports entry check followed by the technical meeting and official draw on February 3.
The tournament proper takes off on Sunday, (February 4) with the official opening ceremony on the same day.
Over 200 boxers from Africa, Europe, Asia and North America will trade leather in one of the world’s most competitive and oldest boxing tournaments in Europe. It was launched in 1950.
Uzbekistan won last year’s Strandja Memorial followed by hosts Bulgaria with Ireland finishing third.
Algeria, Africa’s sole participants, placed 22nd overall with two bronze medals.
Once again, Algeria will be the only participants from Africa in this year’s tournament. The Technical Director of the Algerian federation, Mourad Meziane, told AFBC Communications Algeria will be represented by 14 boxers – eight men and six women.
The President of the Africa Boxing Confederation (AFBC) Eyassu Berhanu has been keely following Algeria’s participation in the Strandja Memorial, and in a statement he shared with AFBC Communications, he expressed his confidence in the Algerian boxers doing well in Sofia.
Berhanu’s statement reads: “On behalf of the entire Africa Boxing Confederation (AFBC) executive committee, Board of Directors and National Federations, I send my best wishes to Algeria’s national boxing team in the 75th edition of Strandja Memorial International tournament in Sofia, Bulgaria, starting on February 2, 2024.
“As the sole representatives from Africa in this important tournament, Algerian boxers are carrying a heavy responsibility of showcasing the boxing potential of the African continent in Sofia taking into account this year we have a busy boxing season culminating in the Olympic Games in Paris.
“This is a golden opportunity for Algeria to gauge their strength against some of the top boxers in the world ahead of major events such as the World Olympic Qualifiers, African Games in Accra in March, the inaugural Nelson Mandela Boxing Cup in Durban, the Olympic Games and the Africa Elite Boxing Championships to take place towards the end of the year.
“May fortune and success be with the entire Algeria team and let them also use the event as a learning process.
“They have invested a lot of money and time preparing for Strandja Memorial. Therefore they should give it their best effort. We know the competition will not be easy but we have confidence in your ability to excel against any opposition, and this was amply demonstrated in last year’s Strandja Memorial by winning two bronze medals, indeed a commendable performance.
“We in AFBC are extremely proud of the Algerian federation to expose their boxers in this prestigious tournament, and I urge all our NFs to do likewise because participation in such big international tournaments will give your boxers plenty of exposure which is vital for their success.
“I would like all the Algerian boxers to know that with every challenge you have the power to create your own destiny. One Africa.”
Credit: AFBC Communications
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