Ghana Boxing Supporters Union (GHABSU) Appeal To Sports Minister

Executives of the Ghana Boxing Supporters Union (GHABSU)  have met and appealed to the Minister of Youth &Sports, Hon. Mustapha Ussif to consider them in international sports competition travel as the boxers need them for motivation and inspiration.

Spokesperson and Treasurer of GHABSU, Mr. Fred Lokko said they have been supporting the boxers from the training gyms to the arena and sports halls but when they are going outside for tournament, then they are left out.

He urged the Sports Ministry to consider the Boxing Supporters as they are very important and can contribute to the entertainment and motivation of boxers and coaches.

Vice President of GHABSU, Mr. Samuel Nana Gyan also said they have been cheering both professional and amateur bouts and are always ready to work with boxing promoters.

He commended the leadership of the GBA for trying to make Ghana Boxing active with the introduction of the Professional League which they are going to support fully.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Amateur Boxing Fans Ruck Accra Sports Stadium

Boxing fans rucked the Ghana Boxing Federation National Amateur Boxing Championship at the Hathiramani Hall of the Accra Sports Stadium on Thursday and Friday, 17th and 18th February.

The championship which attracted lots of boxing fans continued with the finals  at the Bukom Square on Saturday 19th February at 6pm.

More than 100 boxers drawn from various Gyms all over the country competed for slots in the national team, the Black Bombers.

The boxers were registered in the Lightweight, Light welterweight, Welterweight, Light heavyweight, Middleweight and Flyweight.

Some popular boxers who featured were Abdul Wahid Omar, Joshua Abubakar Quartey and Jessie Lartey who have represented Ghana in international tournaments like the Olympic Games and Commonwealth Games.

Coach Ofori Asare, Technical Director of the GBF told Yours Truly the competition is very tough and exciting as all the participants have prepared and putting up good performances.

He commended the trainers and hoped that they will continue producing good boxers for the nation.

Some fans were not comfortable with the officiating, but he explained that the referees are ones who know the rules and regulations, and also watch the proceedings with technical eyes.

The event is under the auspices of the National Sports Authority and partnered by B5 Plus, International Boxing Association (IBA), Ghana Olympic Committee and the Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG)

Mr. Dauda Fuseini, Vice President of the GBF said Ghana Boxing will be better if the boxers and coaches are encouraged. He appealed to companies to come on board to support and promote  amateur boxing.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Sleek N Suave GH, a virtual social club over the weekend held a 12km health walk through the Cantonment enclave in Accra.

The walk, which started and ended at the St Thomas Aquinas Senior High School with aerobic session, brought together close to 600 members spread across the country.

Participants were also screened for BP, eye, glucose, breast, surgical consultation and had a talk on healthy lifestyle.

There was also a free massage session, blood donation and SIM card registration for members and participants.

Addressing the gathering, the founder of the group, Ronnie D.N Amarteifio, praised the members for the hardwork and called on Ghanaians to prioritize their health by exercising regularly.

Mr. Amarteifio emphasised the need for monthly check-ups and regular exercises in order to maintain good health.

He said the group was considering making the event a quarterly feature to help members to exercise regularly.

From Sammy Heywood Okine

The GBA President, Abraham Kotei Nequaye has expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to explain to Promoters and other stakeholders the need to increase fees for the acquiring and renewing of licence.

At the meeting with Promoters at the Mudor Conference Hall he praised them and other stakeholders for the hard work and immeasurable contributions they have exhibited over the years to the forward march of boxing in Ghana.

According to him,the increment was underpinned by Article 10(iii) of the GBA drafted constitution which stated that: liences shall be renewed annually upon payment of a renewal fee to be determined by the Executive Board.

The GBA President emphatically indicated to the promoters that, the current GBA administration is loaded with huge responsibilities at the Secretariat regarding payments of bills, stationery, meetings, welfare supports for needy current boxers, financial support for old boxers, funeral contribution for members of boxing fraternity and many other things. ”I need your support in various ways to help my administration to succeed in shaping our boxers and all stakeholders in our vision to achieve high standard in boxing” he said.

Mr.Kotei Neequaye used the opportunity to apologised sincerely to the 13 Promoters who attended the meeting and those who could not attend for the misconception and misunderstanding that clouded the fees increment. “It’s gratifying to have you seated face to face with the GBA on matters related to the improvement of our boxing.

You must always see the GBA as your partner in anything concerning professional boxing, and be free to consult or engage with the its leadership incase of any eventualities or circumstances. Please feel free to come forward for engagement rather than going out to tarnish the image of all stakeholders, brand of  boxing and the GBA as the mandatory body in charge of professional boxing.” he indicated.

From Sammy Heywood Okine

Mr. John Manfo CEO of Fight Ready Promotions believes the new GBA leadership wants to promote transparency and create opportunities for all stakeholders in Ghana Boxing, so no one should feel sidelined or left behind as they are in to make Ghana Boxing better and create avenues for more continental and world champions.

Contributing to the GBA meeting with Promoters, he urged all Boxing events organisers to contact the sanctioning body if they need help or support.

He promised that the board will work hard with all identified and recognized partners like the gyms, boxers, coaches, trainers, referees as well as promoters and managers.

Mr. Manfo who is a member of the GBA executive board encouraged Ghanaian Boxing fans to storm the Bukom Boxing Arena to watch the new Ghana Professional Boxing League with is sponsored by Imax Media and other companies.

He expressed excitement that a gym and the best boxer will take home a Renault car.

He also wished Emmanuel Tagoe all the best and success as he fights American Ryan Garcia on April 9 in San Antonio, USA.

He commended the media for promoting boxing and wished the publicity may increase to promote boxers and the teams.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Mr. Michael Annan, CEO of Dons Promotions has urged the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) to administer boxing in all the 16 regions of Ghana and not only in Accra.

He also suggested that the ratings of boxers should be published regularly on the GBA website, while national champions should also be mandated to defend their belts at specific periods.

He also tasked the GBA to regulate purses paid to boxers, as some demand huge sums and fail to deliver.

Mr. Annan who spoke on behalf of Boxing Promoters at a meeting with the GBA Board said boxing can solve many social problems if it is organized well.

“One successful world title fight and a possible defense can change the lives of a whole community in Ga Mashie” he expressed.

He advised boxers and managers to live cordially without pretty problems as they need each other in the boxing business.

He welcomed the formation of a body of Promoters that is well recognized and involving all of them to work with the GBA.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The President of the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA), Mr. Abraham Kotei Neequaye and the executive board has met with promoters on Thursday at the Bukom Boxing Arena.

Among the promoters present were representatives of Dons, Global Sports, Aborigines, Fast Track, Hype, Euroka, Fight Ready, Ambition and Winbase.

Mr. Neequaye welcomed the promoters and promised that the GBA has not come to spoil their enterprises in boxing, but rather to make them work better, transparent and do more lucrative business..

They discussed the new promotions fees and formation of the Promoters Association which the president saw as a good thing, because he wants all other license holders like managers, boxers, match makers, referees to come together.

He expressed that the presence of Imax Media is positive as the boxing fraternity has been looking for investors, and the Ghana Professional Boxing League which they are supporting is going to help boxers, trainers and others involved in the sport a lot as winning Gyms and best boxer is going to win a brand new Renault car.

He expressed that the presence of Imax is not a threat, but a blessing as they are bringing on board other sponsors.

"The doors of the GBA are opened and we want to work with genuine  promoters who will make Ghana Boxing reach greater heights" he said.

According to the GBA President his predecessors, Moses Foh Amoaning and Peter Zwennes came up with the Mortein Boxing League and the Bukom Fist of Fury Boxing League respectively, and he is also coming with the Ghana Professional Boxing League, so no one should think he is supporting one promoter. He hinted that other promoters have their boxers on the League Bill, so no one should harbour fears.

Mr. Michael Annan of Dons Promotions urged the GBA to administer boxing in all the 16 regions of Ghana and not only in Accra. He also suggested that the ratings of boxers should be published regularly while national champions should also be mandated to defend their belts at specific periods.

He said boxing can solve many social problems if it is organized well.

Mr. John Manfo of Fight Ready Promotions also said the new GBA wants to promote transparency and opportunities for all stakeholders in Ghana Boxing, so no one should feel sidelined or left behind as they are in to make Ghana Boxing better and create avenues for more continental and world champions.

Mr. J. A. Annan, an experienced and veteran boxing personality advised the gathering that the constitution of the GBA is not complete, which the President accepted and proposed an extra ordinary Congress to put things in the right perspective and direction.

Chief Executive of Ambition Promotions Alhaji Toffik, also a board member of the GBA said they are trying their best to make all stakeholders in the game and business of boxing to benefit from their toils

He thanked all the promoters who graced the meeting with the promise of supporting all promoters who require their services.

Some notable promotions outfits missing at the meeting were Box Office, Ace Power, Cabic, Baby Jet, S3 and Bronx, however Mr. Neequaye promised to call another meeting to allow all promotional companies in the boxing business to put their grievances across for amicable solutions  peace and unity.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The Coconut Groove Beach Resort Golf Course at Elmina will be the action spot on Saturday and Sunday, February 19^th and 20^th when the special Golden Jubilee Golf event tees off.

The competition categories include the Seniors Group A, Support Group and the Super Seniors.

As part of the 50th anniversary of the Ghana Golf Association (GGA), the Seniors of Ghana Golf will compete among each other to select the best senior golfer. 

President of the GGA, Mr. Mike O. Aggrey told the media the Elmina facility course is ready for competition. 

Notable amongst the participants will be Nana Ogyampa Amoakohene, who is the only one to have played a hole - in - one on the Seniors circuit. Also back is Hans Debeer of Tarkwa who won the event 3 years ago.

On the female front, the top golfers will all be in attendance and an exciting competition is expected.

They will include Joy Arkutu, Dr. Juliet Tuakil, Vastie Amanfo-Yaboah, Gina Loupiac as well as Philomena Sedo, whiles Dr. Ernest Aimenu, Kwame Osei Omane Brimpong and Kweku Ndoum are the Men’s Supporters to look out for.

All of these will be looking to wrestle the title from Stephen Acquah of Obuasi.

Mr. Mike O. Aggrey, President of the Ghana Golf Association hinted that he has trained well and he is poised to tussle the Seniors title this year as he did two years ago.

The sponsors for the event are GN Re, Vanguard Assurance, Coconut Groove Hotel, SIC Insurance, Ghandour Cosmetics, Crystal Health Services, GIHOC Distilleries and Goil.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Ghana will earn $12 million if the Black Stars qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar later this year.

The West African country having missed out in the last edition in Russia in 2018, the Black Stars are aiming to return to the Mundial for the fourth time.

The Black Stars after emerging as group winners have been paired with Nigeria in the playoff games.

Ghana will host the Super Eagles at the Cape Coast Stadium on March 24 before travelling to Abuja for the return game on March 27 at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium.

Should the team qualify for the Mundial, Ghana will receive $2 million from FIFA for preparation and another $10 million as a participation fee.

This is the minimum amount that all 32 teams that qualify for the tournament will receive from the football governing body.

The playoff match will be contested on a home and away basis, with the winner advancing to the World Cup in Qatar.

Meanwhile, all teams that reach the round of 16 stage will receive $12 million (in addition to the $2 million participation fee).

Quarter-finalists will earn $18 million, while the team that finishes in third place will earn$30 million from FIFA.

The runner-up in the 2022 World Cup will receive $40 million and the winner of the tournament will receive $50 million.

The 2022 World Cup will begin on November 21, 2022, and end on December 18, 2022.

Ghana have played in the 2006, 2010 and 2014 World Cup in Germany, South Africa and Brazil respectively.

Probellum is delighted to announce the signing of Ghanaian super-featherweight champion Alfred Lamptey.

One of African boxing’s rising stars, Lamptey (10-0, 8 knockouts) is yet to experience defeat in the professional ranks since making his debut in 2019.

Lamptey hails from the Bukom community in Accra, an area of the capital city which produced the greatest African fighter ever seen – former two-weight world champion Azumah Nelson.

And Lamptey, known as the ‘Bukom Bomber’, now hopes to follow in the footsteps of Nelson and other Bukom alumni including legendary fighters such as Ike Quartey and David Kotei.

The 19-year-old captured the vacant Ghanaian super-featherweight title courtesy of a knockout victory over Emmanuel Otoo in his most recent bout last December, ensuring he now holds five separate belts including the WBC Youth Silver super-featherweight title and WBO Youth super-featherweight title.

Lamptey is the first fighter from Ghana that Probellum have signed, since launching in September last year, but the organisation’s global plans had already seen a co-promotional deal signed with Box Office Sports in the country.

“I’m over the moon to sign for Probellum at what I believe is a very important time in my career,” said Lamptey.

“Probellum has already signed a number of talented, up-and-coming fighters, and I feel they will be able to guide me as I try to achieve my ambition of becoming a world champion.

“I have already won many African titles, but my dream is to make my mark on the world stage, and I’m confident that signing for Probellum will allow me to do that.”

“Alfred Lamptey is a massive talent and we are obviously very pleased he has chosen to sign with us,” added Richard Schaefer, President of Probellum.

“Probellum is extremely passionate about providing opportunities for the stars of tomorrow, which quickly becomes apparent when looking at some of the signings we have made.

“Alfred undoubtedly fits that category. He is undefeated in the professional ranks so far and there is no doubt he will go on to have a big future in boxing.”

Other exciting young stars to have signed for Probellum in recent weeks include IBF flyweight world champion Sunny Edwards (17-0, 4 knockouts), Liverpool-born brothers Peter (2-0, 1 knockout) and Joe McGrail (1-0, 1 knockout), undefeated Shabaz Masoud (9-0, 2 knockouts) and seven-time Irish national champion Steven Cairns (2-0, 1 knockout).

For live news and updates, be sure to follow Probellum on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. 

Source: Probellum.com