As part of the 65th anniversary celebrations of independence, the Mayor of Cotonou, Luc Sètondji Atrokpo, paid a heartfelt tribute to two of Benin’s most celebrated boxing legends, Georges Bocco and Nazaire Padonou, in a ceremony filled with pride and poignant reflection.
On the evening of Friday, August 1, 2025, the Cotonou City Hall hosted a special dinner to mark the occasion. Among those in attendance were members of the municipal council, district and neighborhood leaders, Littoral Prefect Alain Orounla, and other prominent figures.
But beyond the official pageantry, the night became a moment of long-overdue recognition for national sports heroes whose contributions had faded from public view.
Mayor Atrokpo honoured two icons of Beninese boxing: Georges Bocco, known as “the king of knockouts,” and Nazaire Padonou, nicknamed “the tiger of the rings.” A posthumous tribute was also offered to Aristide Sagbo, better remembered by his alias “Sowéto.”
In an emotionally charged speech, the mayor urged the nation to honour its champions during their lifetimes.
“What I do, you all do.
The government already does a lot for artists; at our level, we are also capable of doing the minimum.
But some end up in very difficult circumstances. (…) I simply invite you to support them while they are still alive. Glories after death are no longer important.”
Each honouree received a motorcycle and a bank account credited with 500,000 CFA francs. Additional contributions came from attendees, including MP Orden Aladatin and an anonymous donor, bringing the total support to 1,250,000 CFA francs per recipient.
Georges Bocco, born on May 17, 1963, became a boxing legend with 50 professional bouts—48 of them won by knockout—and was an eleven-time African champion in the under-72kg category. He also represented Benin at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
Nazaire Padonou boasts a similarly formidable record with 29 fights, including 25 wins, and seven African titles to his name.
The evening served as a powerful reminder that sporting greatness is not just a relic of the past. As the municipality continues to celebrate its cultural and athletic heritage, Mayor Atrokpo’s message rings clear: recognition must be timely, meaningful, and grounded in gratitude.
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