Boxers Vincent Nsengiyumva and Kelia Iradukunda emerged winners of the second edition of Boxing Night Series on Sunday.

Held at Hill Top Hotel in Remera, Kigali, the boxing event featured three categories including men’s amateur and semi-professional fights as well as women’s category.

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The main highlight of the boxing night saw Nsengiyumva beat Afoka Peti in the 87 kg category in a thrilling battle that lasted six rounds.

"This win is all about putting in effort and staying dedicated to training. It was a tough fight and, in this sport, you have got to train hard to come out on top," Nsengiyumva told Times Sport.

"My opponent put up a good fight but my experience in the ring allowed me to capitalize on his errors to get the win."

Meanwhile, in the 60 kg fight, Iradukunda beat Ange Nsengiyumva in the only women's fight of the evening.

Iradukunda expressed her excitement about the performance and encouraged more women to participate in boxing, highlighting the need for increased female representation in the sport.

"I'm thrilled about this win. We both had our eyes on the prize, but only one could walk away with it," she said after the victory.

"Boxing isn't as popular here in Rwanda, but at least the men are giving it a shot. You noticed that we only had one women's fight in eight fights that took place. I urge young girls to embrace this fantastic sport."

Boxing Night Series is organised by Amahoro Boxing and Fitness Club and it has since 2023 been bringing together local elite boxers to show their best of boxing in various categories.

Guy Didier Rurangayire, one of the event organisers, commended participants for showing combativity in their fights and vowed to organise similar boxing events more often.

"We're happy with today's show. It's really encouraging," Rurangayire said.

"We are planning more editions in May, September, and December, sticking to our schedule," Rurangayire told Times Sport.

Other winners

In the Semi-professional category (60kg), David Nsabimana, Aimable Hagenimana and Pacifique emerged winners after beating Isaac Niyonagize, Jerry Kabango and Hassan Murenzi respectively.

In amateur category, Jean Claude Iyanone, Aimer Iranezeza and Filia Hirwa won their fights in 51 kg, 54 kg and 57 kg respectively.