Perry Okudzeto
The Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr Perry Okudzeto has asked boxing fans to desist from acts of vandalism if they want the sport to attract support from the corporate sector.
He said acts such as the recent destruction of facilities at the Bukom Boxing Arena will not help in the promotion of the sport in the country.
Speaking at the second week of Ghana’s boxing league dubbed “Fist of Fury” on Friday; Mr Okudzeto said government would ensure that facilities are made available for all sports but that cannot be sustained when such structures are destroyed by fans.
His comments were in reference to a recent incident at the Bukom Boxing Arena where boxing fans caused destruction to the property following a controversial decision in the bout between Wasiru Mohammed and Isaac Sackey.
“We need to protect the facilities we have to be able to serve their purpose. We don’t have many of them and if we want to enjoy our games to the fullest and also compete with the outside world to win trophies then we must be mindful of such behaviour” he stated.
Mr Okudzeto hailed organisers of the boxing league for coming up with the concept saying “it is one of the preparatory grounds to select boxers to represent Ghana at the Olympic Games and the All Africa Games which the nation will host in 2023.”
The Deputy Minister, who also performed the official opening of the league, added that, boxing remains a leading sport in Ghana and loved the passion which the people of Accra has for it.
He commended the juvenile boxers, their coaches as well as the amateur and professional boxers who exhibited their skills on the night.
Richmond Ashley stopped Amos Dodzie in round two to win their lightweight contest while the super featherweight contest saw Felix Williams defeat Isaac Okine in the fourth round.
Super middleweight debutant, Jacob Dickson also won his first fight against Abdul Karim by a stoppage in round one.
Featherweight contender, Theophilus Tetteh was the boxer of the night as he showed real boxing skills to knock out his hard punching opponent, Joshua Barnor from Bukom.
BY MICHAEL D. ABAYATEYE
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