DILI, 24 october 2021 (TATOLI) – Three talented boxers were awarded the best, future, and favorite trophies following their successful and excellent performance during three-day boxing of the 2nd El-Matador Tournament 2021.
Among the three, Elidio da Conceição from El-Matador Boxing Club was awarded the Best Boxer Trophy, Lucas Ximenes from Cavalo Boxing Club was awarded the Future Boxer Trophy, and Ventura Goncalves from Assalaino Boxing Club was awarded the Favorite Boxer Trophy.
Speaking at the final day of the tournament, the State Secretary of the Youth and Sports (SEJD), Abrão Saldanha called on the talented boxers to develop their boxing skills to keep up the boxing spirit left by Timorese legendary boxers like Americo Tomas, a Timorese professional boxer who became the first Indonesian (at the time, Timor-Leste had not gained independence from Indonesia) fighter to challenge for a world title, when he fought World Boxing Council Super Lightweight (Junior Welterweight) champion of the world, Saoul Mamby.
“I call on young Timorese to show your fighting skills in the fighting ring to represent your family, your friends, and your municipalities rather than engaging in the illegal fight in the neighborhoods,” Saldanha made the comments at the Secretary of State for Youth and Sports (SEJD), in Dili, on saturday (23/10).
After being awarded the Future Boxer Trophy, Lucas Ximenes said he would keep training to level up his boxing skills to become a professional boxer in the future.
“My dream is to represent Timor-Leste to fight in the Sea Games. I will keep training and putting in a lot of effort to make my dream come true,” said Ximenes.
In addition, Elidio da Conceição said he was super happy with the result of being the best boxer of the 2nd El-Matador Boxing Tournament after a four-month intensive preparation and training for the event.
“It is just the beginning, and I want to achieve more to be one of the best boxers in the future to compete in international boxing competition overseas,” said Conceição.
Apart from the three main trophies, those boxers who competed in the tournament also received certificates of appreciation.
More than 20 boxers from 12 boxing clubs competed in the four different weight classes – light flyweight (Not more than 49 kg) – flyweight (52 kg) – bantamweight (56 kg), and lightweight (60 kg).
At his closing remarks, the President of the Organising Committee for the Boxing Tournament, Juvenal Dias thanks all the sponsors for their significant contribution.
Off all the sponsors, Timor-GAP provided US$1000, Timor Telecom offered US$ 500 of mobile phone credit, Timor-Plaza supported the event by providing the banners, Param Bobonaro Restaurant provided cooked food for the boxers and Timor-Leste Diskute provided the boxing gloves.
Journalist: Filomeno Martins
Editor: Nelia Borges Rosarion
