Serigne Dia, widely known as “Bombardier” or “B52,” the formidable fist-fight wrestling champion from Mbour, a coastal town approximately 80 km south of Dakar, officially announced his retirement on Sunday.
His decision came after a final match against Jackson Jr. at the Pikine National Arena.
Bombardier’s last professional bout took place on Sunday, July 27, against Jackson Jr., a promising young wrestler hailing from Guediawaye, a suburb of Dakar. Following his defeat, the Mbour-native wrestler declared his retirement, concluding a remarkable career that spanned nearly three decades in the arena. Born and trained in Mbour, on Senegal’s Petite Côte (Small Coast), Bombardier has long been revered as a local icon, embodying the pride and rich wrestling tradition of his hometown.
A two-time “King of the Arenas” (defeating Tyson in 2002 and Balla Gaye II in 2014), Bombardier concludes his career with an impressive record of 19 wins and 13 losses. “I am retiring today. I am going to support the young wrestlers of Mbour and focus on MMA,” he stated on Lutte TV, indicating his intention to remain actively involved in the wrestling world, with aspirations for a role within the sport’s governing body (CNG).
He offered a message of mentorship to his final opponent, Jackson Jr.: “He’s a well-educated wrestler; he must be surrounded by good people. An athlete must be supported by athletes.”
Mbour, his hometown, where he established his wrestling stable and mentored numerous young talents, is expected to continue benefiting from his vast experience and guidance in the sport.
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