With 16 fights on the card, the afternoon and evening at the Valrose gymnasium, made available by the University of Nice in partnership with the City of Nice, promised to be intense.
As often, the Boxing Semeuse was headlining in 12 of the 16 matches, confirming that it is indeed the leading club of the PACA league in terms of membership as well as participants in various national competitions for youths, juniors, and seniors.
In front of a large audience, the people of Nice rose to the occasion against their Provenรงal rivals. The stakes were indeed high as all those competing in the championship were vying for a spot in the sector finals scheduled to take place in Lyon on December 6.
The results were positive with 7 wins and 4 losses. It could have been even more flattering if Steven CARPENTIER’s obvious victory had not turned into a loss due to a mysterious trick known only to the judges. Another regret was the unjustified stoppage 10 seconds before the end of the magnificent heavyweight match between Nรฎmes’ Benjamin ROBILLARD, current French honor champion, exemplary in technique and fair play, and Nice’s Thomas BESSON, who exhibited the same spirit, extraordinary courage, and determination, who, despite being behind, deserved to reach the end. This time, it was the referee who made a poor assessment of the situation.
Nevertheless, Boxing Semeuse Nice will send 10 fighters to the sector finals in Lyon on December 6, which is already a remarkable achievement.
All the bouts took place in a perfect atmosphere of fair play both in the ring and in the stands, where many young boxing school students gathered to loudly cheer on their seniors, anticipating their own debut in the assault competitions starting in late January 2009.
As with every event organized by Boxing Semeuse, the “Chemin des Rรชves” association, chaired by Christophe LENOBLE, was honored and also contributed by managing the refreshments stand for its sole benefit. Let’s recall that this association, sponsored by Frank MAY, supports and assists disabled children in their … fighter’s journey, notably by offering them stays in amusement parks.
This eventful evening, which was free of charge once again this year, took place in the presence of Gilles VEISSIERE, Deputy for Sports, and Nathalie LEROY, World Karate Champion, who represented the General Council. Other significant moments are already planned for French boxing as the Valrose hall will once again be buzzing in March next year with the “Youth” sector finals, which will be held for the first time in Nice.
