Local pugilists start Olympic preps

LOCAL pugilists will weigh themselves against some of the region’s top boxers during a two-day tournament which starts this afternoon at Amahoro stadium.

Friday, February 24, 2012

LOCAL pugilists will weigh themselves against some of the region’s top boxers during a two-day tournament which starts this afternoon at Amahoro stadium.According to Gashugi Kananura, the technical director of Rwanda Amateur Boxing Association (Raba), the tournament which has also attracted fighters from Kenya and Burundi, is aimed at fine-tuning them ahead of the 2012 London Olympic Games qualifiers slated for April 27-May 6 in Morocco.Kananura has gone for a blend of youth and experience. The experienced fighters in the team include Eric Baributsa (fly weight -52kg), David Nsabimana (Bantam weight -56kg) and Theoneste Gakunzi (Light welter weight-64kg). Outstanding boxers will broaden their chances of featuring in the Olympic qualifiers.Last year, Rwanda failed to feature in the first Olympic qualifiers which were held in Baku, Azerbaijan, due to lack of funds.Rwandan team: 52kg (Fly Weight): John Mbarushimana and Eric Baributsa56kg (Bantam Weight);  Charles Rukundo, David Nsabimana and Jean Pierre Kiza.60kg (Light weight): Salim Kwizera, Emmanuel Ntare and Claude Uwimana64kg (Light welter weight): Theoneste Gakunzi and Alex Nzeyimuremyi.69kg (Welter Weight): Nassan Mutabazi and Silaha Nsengimuremyi75kg (Middle weight): Vincent Nsengiyumva81kg (Light heavy weight): Osborne Mandela