Ouagadougou:Burkinabe boxing legend Sou Toké Patrice, famously known as "The Bombardier," has announced that he will conclude his illustrious career with a final fight on Saturday, October 31, 2026. The event, taking place at the Ouaga 2000 Sports Palace, is set to begin at 7 p.m. and will pit him against Beninese boxer Anicet Amoussou, also known as "The Poison." This fight is part of a gala named "Golden Jubilee" to commemorate his 50-year career in boxing.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the gala aims to celebrate Patrice's career, share his experiences with younger generations, and revitalize the Burkinabe boxing scene, which had a significant following from 2000 to 2016. The president of the organizing committee, Sou Toké Patrice himself, emphasized the importance of the event for the sport's renewal in the country.
The gala will feature a total of six fights, including four professional and two amateur bouts, with participation from boxers hailing from Nigeria and Benin alongside those from Burkina Faso. Known for his significant contributions to Burkinabe boxing, "The Bombardier" has achieved numerous accolades, including twice being crowned the African champion in 2007 and 2013. He also secured the WBC Mediterranean belt in 2008 by defeating Franco-Algerian Yacine Chouaou.
In the professional category, three additional matches are scheduled. Rinapassakidé Kinda from Burkina Faso will face Nigeria's Kehinde Toheeb in the super lightweight division. Another bout will see Nigeria's Jamin Akande compete against Burkina Faso's Umane Naba. In the super-welterweight category, Raymond Sanou will go up against Nigerian Semin Clapade.
The amateur ranks will see two fights, with Yacouba Ouédraogo facing Lionel Sawadogo in the super-welterweight division, and Sévérin Kaboré taking on Robert Boro in the middleweight category. The event is under the patronage of the Minister of Sports, Youth and Employment and is sponsored by the Moogho Naaba Baongho, with support from the Ministry in charge of Sports and various partners.
Organizers have urged the Burkinabe public to attend in large numbers to support the event and celebrate the sport of boxing.