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Dambe

The boxing of the Hausa.

A traditional boxing art of the Hausa people of Nigeria and neighbouring countries. The strong hand is wrapped and used like a spear, while the other hand guards.

Fact file

Country
Nigeria
Type
Striking
Sources: Encyclopaedia Britannica

History

Dambe is the traditional boxing of the Hausa people of northern Nigeria, Niger and neighbouring countries. It grew among butcher communities, who toured harvest festivals challenging local fighters.

Fighters wrap the strong hand — the "spear" — in cloth and cord and use the other hand to guard and grab. Kicks are allowed. A round ends when a fighter falls or the round is stopped, and fights traditionally have three rounds.