African Championships - Bertrand Mendouga: "Prize money rises to $1 million"

With only a few hours to go before the start of the senior African Championships for women and men in Cameroon, how far along is the organisation?

Everything is ready for the first bout of the senior African Championships for women and men, which are being held at the Yaoundé Multipurpose Sports Complex. We are down to the final tweaks and we are calm. I would also like to use this platform to thank the highest authorities in Cameroon, not only for agreeing to welcome African boxing, but also for all the facilities granted to us in organising such an event.

The draw for the bouts has been made. The bouts begin this Sunday 30 July 2023. On the security front, every measure has been taken so that the stay of the various delegations in Cameroon passes off in complete peace. Only one thing remains: let the competition begin!

How many countries is Cameroon hosting for these African Championships?

Nearly 37 countries had expressed a desire to take part in these African Championships. But unfortunately not everyone was able to confirm their place. So we will have 27 countries competing throughout these African Championships. They are the regulars at major African boxing competitions.

They include countries such as Nigeria, Senegal, Ivory Coast, Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea, Cabo Verde, Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, DR Congo and Equatorial Guinea. We also have South Africa, Mozambique, Zambia, Seychelles, Mauritius and all the countries of the Maghreb, except Egypt. In total, nearly 264 boxers have been registered across the different categories of this competition.

What explains such enthusiasm?

Having 27 countries taking part in these senior African boxing Championships is indeed remarkable. It shows that boxing remains popular and loved in our countries in Africa. But there is something very important to point out. In a month's time, the qualifying tournaments for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games will take place. The African Championships, which open this Friday 28 July 2023, are therefore an exceptional opportunity for African boxers, after a year without top-level competition.

The 2023 African Championships are also an ideal opportunity for the Confederation to take stock of all our African athletes, as it is an event that lets them gauge their true level and correct what needs improving ahead of the qualifiers for the 2024 Olympic Games. These senior African Championships for women and men were therefore eagerly awaited by all the countries that aspire to take part in Paris 2024. The last reason, which I think should not be overlooked, is the amount of the prize money set aside for the boxers who win medals. This prize money doubles this year. It goes from 500,000 to 1 million dollars. With that, we expect high-quality bouts.

Interview by Arthur Wandji