Abraham Kotey Neequaye of BabyJet Promotions, managers of Tagoe, told the Graphic Sports that the WBO Africa lightweight champion was only focused on defending his title, as well as fighting for the IBF International or newly created WBO Global on January 26 against a yet-to-be-announced opponent.
Mr Neequaye noted that Ashie could only challenge Tagoe for the WBO Africa crown but would not be eligible to fight for the WBO Global and IBF International titles, which Tagoe was eyeing, thus making an immediate rematch almost impossible.
After fighting Collison Korley in an exhibition bout last Friday, Ashie had called out Tagoe for a rematch, claiming his longtime rival instigated young national lightweight champion Sheriff Quaye to openly challenge him to a fight.
Ashie turned down an opportunity to fight young Quaye but challenged Tagoe to be man enough to fight him in a rematch of their 2012 showdown for the vacant WBA International lightweight title which Tagoe won by majority decision.
"I can't fight Sheriff Quaye because he is an upcoming boxer but I know who is behind him calling me out so I want Gameboy to know that he is the one I'm looking out for," Ashie claimed.
In response, Mr Neequaye said BabyJet Promotions was at an advanced stage for Tagoe to fight a Russian for the WBO Africa, WBO Global and the IBF International crowns instead of a rematch with Ashie which has little value.
"We can only fight Ashie for the WBO Africa belt, but we will be in contention for the WBO Global and IBF International belts, which he cannot fight us for. He is, however, not in line to challenge us for a rematch with Tagoe," Neequaye insisted.
"As things stand now, Tagoe doesn't hold any belt to fight us and he is not in any ratings so why do you think we should fight him when we can challenge for other bigger titles."
The two Bukom boxers have been fierce rivals who clashed on November 10, 2010 for the WBA International title won by Tagoe.
Ashie challenged the majority decision handed his opponent, calling it a stolen verdict and demanding a rematch which has persistently been ignored by Tagoe’s camp. Read Full Story
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