By Desmond Tunde Coker
FREETOWN – Sierra Leonean boxing official Solomon Kargbo has been appointed the new President of the Africa Boxing Confederation (AFBC) Zone 2. Kargbo, who is also the President of the Sierra Leone Boxing Association (SLBA) and the AFBC Competitions Commission Chairman, took over on an interim basis following a four-hour online meeting chaired by AFBC Secretary-General Anta Gueye.
Kargbo’s appointment comes after the former president, Abdou Malam Issoufou, became inactive following his departure as head of the Niger boxing federation. Kargbo will serve as interim president until further decisions are made regarding the leadership of Zone 2.
Zone 2, which includes Sierra Leone, Ghana, Senegal, Mali, and several other West African nations, plays a vital role in the development of boxing in the region. However, financial challenges have hindered the organization of key tournaments, including the Zone 2 Championships. Togo was initially set to host the 2024 championship, but its government has since withdrawn support, casting doubt over the event’s future.
Despite the hurdles, Kargbo’s leadership brings optimism for the continued growth of boxing in the region, as he works with member countries to navigate the financial difficulties and ensure the success of future tournaments.