Boxing coaches in Ghana have called on former WBC featherweight world champion, Professor Azumah Nelson to respect them and give them the benefit of the doubt as they practice their profession with love, unity and hard work.
Deliberating on the positives and negatives of the GBA/ GBF Boxing League / Professional Championship; Bukom Fist of Fury, the coaches were not happy with the comments of the former champion that there are no good coaches in Ghana.
They said the profession must prove his words because if they are not good, why does he pick their boxers for his Azumah Nelson Fight Nights.
They claimed that anytime there is a forum to discuss the future of Ghana Boxing, he is not available, but tells journalists in interviews that there are no good boxing coaches.
The coaches made their grievances come alive at the stakeholders meeting which was held on Tuesday January 7, 2020 at the Media Center of the Accra Sports stadium.
The meeting which was chaired by the Ghana Boxing Federation (GBF) president, Mr. George Lamptey, assisted by the technical director, Mr. Laud Acquaye, treasurer of the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) and Patrick Johnson, secretary general of the GBA saw many of the coaches attending and agreeing that Azumah Nelson must show them some respect because they ar doing their best in situations where they have no support to equip their gyms or go for further refresher courses outside Ghana.
According to the coaches they are doing very well and that has resulted in the nation producing many champions over the years.
They noted that many things have changed over the years and the time when the professor was boxing in the ring and attracting massive national support is very different from the current state where and when boxers have to struggle to get fights.
They urged him to offer positive support, encouragement and motivation to produce more champions for the nation.
The coaches appealed to the government to invest in boxing as they can also bring in more foreign exchange and attract tourist to come to Ghana and watch boxing.
Among the coaches present were Charles Quartey of Charles Quartey Boxing Foundation, Okoe Addy of The Gym, Carl Lokko of Bronx Gym, Eben Adjei of Black Panther Gym and representatives from Bukom Boxing Gym, Sonia Gym, Akotoku Academy and others.
Also present were match makers, Believer Rashid Williams, Michael Patterson and promoters like Alex Ntiamoah Boakye of Box Office Promotions and some boxing enthusiasts.
Meanwhile 31st January, 2020 has been fixed as date for the return of Bukom Fist of Fury Boxing League and professional championship.
Patrick Johnson announced that the Ghana Boxing League season 2 will include regional teams from Ashanti, Brong Ahafo, Western, Central and Volta.
The formal launch of the Bukom Fist of Fury will come off at M&J Grand Hotel, East Legon in Accra soon.
Plans are also advanced to organize an awards ceremony to reward boxers, officials and supporters who excelled at the maiden edition of the Bukom Fist of Fury programme.
REPORT BY Sammy Heywood Okine