Fighters from Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Russia faced off in Niamey to commemorate the 80th anniversary of victory in World War II

A boxing tournament bringing together fighters from Russia and the Sahel region of Africa was held in Niger on Friday to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory in World War II. 

Organized by the NGO 'Niger-Russia Together Hand in Hand', the Russia-Sahel alliance tournament took place at the boxing center in Niamey's City Stadium. It featured fighters from Russia, Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. The event was conducted under amateur boxing regulations, meaning three rounds of three minutes each for each bout. 

"This is the first ever visit of Russian boxers to the Republic of Niger," the press service of the Russian Boxing Federation reported on Sunday. 

A total of six bouts were held during the tournament involving 12 fighters across three weight categories. Russian boxer Pavel Zhigulsky emerged victorious in the 67 kg category. The 75 kg category saw Burkina Faso's Pardevan Mohamed and Niger's Abdul Baki Amadou prevail. In the 82 kg weight division, Mali's Traore Abubakar defeated Houssaini Hassan from Niger by technical knockout in the second round, while Burkina Faso's Sandvidi Abdul Aziz also scored a victory in the same division.  

The event organizers highlighted that the competition served not only as a sporting showcase, but also as a tribute to those who perished in the struggle against fascism. They described the event as an example of the power of sport to foster international solidarity and deepen cooperation between Russia and its African partners. 

Regional interest in commemorative events tied to Russia's Victory Day continues to grow. African leaders attended the Victory Day military parade in Moscow on May 9: Burkina Faso's interim president, Ibrahim Traore, Guinea-Bissau President Umaro Sissoco Embalo, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, President of the Republic of the Congo Denis Sassou Nguesso, President of Equatorial Guinea Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, and Ethiopian President Taye Atske Selassie. 

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