British fighter debuts in King of Dambe African warriors’ championship

Dambe Warriors League

The African Warriors Fighting Championship (AWFC), the leading global promoter of Dambe, has announced its next event tagged, ‘King of Dambe,’ which is scheduled to hold on January 13 at Katsina Open Air Theatre.

The highlight of King of Dambe fight, according to the organisers, will be a special exhibition bout featuring Luke Leyland, a professional wrestler and boxer from Liverpool, United Kingdom, competing against Garakuwar Bahagon Yansanda, a champion from Plateau State, Nigeria.

The bout will make Leyland the first European athlete to ever compete in a dambe championship fight.

The King of Dambe championship will also showcase top fighters from across Nigeria drawn from the three dambe houses of Arewa (Jamus), Kudawa (Kudu) and Gurumada.

The main event of the day will feature Alikawoji of House Gurumada vs Autan Danbunza of House Arewa. Other matches on the day include Coronavirus of Kudu vs Sha’ike of Gurumada and Dan Yellow of Arewa vs Bahagon Mai Bulala of Gurumada.

Autan Shagon Audu of Gurumada will battle with Dogon Messi of Arewa, with Shagon Yellow of Gurumada meeting Shagon Na Balbali of Kudu.

The headline sponsor for King of Dambe is cryptocurrency betting company, Stake.com.

Speaking ahead of his first African traditional fight, British fighter, Leyland, said: “I am thrilled to be in Nigeria, representing the UK in the ancient art of dambe. This marks a historic moment for the sport, and I am honoured to be part of it. I eagerly anticipate showcasing the skill and determination of UK fighters and proving our ability to compete in this incredible sport. I am coming to win.

“My goal is to knockout Yansanda and take the victory home to British soil. You do not want to miss this.”

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