The tragic fate of Georges Bekono, former boxing champion of Cameroon, leaves a bitter taste in the mouth of all those who knew him. After a career marked by numerous titles and exploits in the ring, he met a cruel fate by finding himself in a situation of total destitution before dying in the streets of Yaoundé.
Georges Bekono was a respected and admired champion in the world of Cameroonian boxing. With a career that began in 1993, he won the national championship title several times and was even crowned Zone 4 champion in 1995. His talent and determination also led him to a brief professional career between 2002 and 2009.
Unfortunately, despite his success in the ring, Georges Bekono experienced a descent into hell after his sporting retirement. Without support from the Cameroonian Boxing Federation, he found himself forced to retrain as a small trader. For more than ten years, he sold pineapples on the sidewalk of the Mfoundi market in Yaoundé, struggling to support himself.
The sad reality of Georges Bekono’s situation was highlighted by his fellow traders. Disappointed, Eric does not hesitate to express his anger towards the federation: “Cameroon rejected him like trash. The Cameroon Boxing Federation is mean. If they really want to help him, let them take his children as ‘he left in charge.’ A feeling shared by many market traders, who do not understand how a champion of his caliber could have been abandoned like this.
However, despite his precarious situation, Georges Bekono continued to hold his head high. His fellow traders remember him as a person respected and loved by all. Franc Joseph, whose display was located next to his, remembers with emotion: “We generally called him “Peace champion”. We are overwhelmed, we are still tested until this moment. doesn’t come back, he left, like that, without saying goodbye to anyone.”
The sad end of Georges Bekono also raises questions about the care of former sporting champions in Cameroon. It is essential to put in place a support system for these athletes who have given so much to their country. Their professional retraining and their well-being must be taken into consideration in order to avoid situations as dramatic as that of Georges Bekono.
The death of Georges Bekono is a poignant reminder of the reality that awaits many athletes after their career. It is important to remember that behind the glories and medals are individuals who need ongoing support to successfully transition to life after sport.. It is time for sporting institutions to take responsibility and provide adequate assistance to those who have dedicated their lives to self-improvement and national pride.