Espinoza takes over Agbeko’s management

IBO bantamweight champion, Joseph King Kong Agbeko has finally landed a managerial deal with highly-experienced Frank Ezpinoza.

The Ghanaian boxer has been without a substantive manager since last year after parting ways with Italian-American Vinny Scolpino who he shared with compatriot Joshua Clottey.

In an exclusive phone interview with Joy Sports, Agbeko said he saw working with Espinoza as a gateway to achieving big chances because he will definitely bring the big fights.

“He works with both Golden Boy and Top Rank so it will be easy to get fights from both Promotional companies. I want to thank everyone who has contributed to my career,” King Kong told Joy Sports.

Agbeko came out of an almost two-year hiatus to claim the vacant IBO bantamweight title before his home fans in Ghana, after defeating Luis Melendes – a fight which he promoted due to the deactivation of the promotional relationship with the legendary Don King.

New manager Espinoza who also manages the likes of Abner Mares is expected to get big bouts for the former IBF bantamweight title. There are strong indications that Joseph Agbeko could land a big clash with WBO and WBA super bantamweight champion Guillermo Rigondeaux anytime soon.

Agbeko made a return to the ring this year after seeing a blank 2012 and was also caught up in a long legal battle with his former promoter Don King which ended in his eventual release from the contract last month.

"At this point in my career it's very important for me to just focus on my training," Agbeko continued. “I’m just going to leave the rest of the business to my manager Frank Espinoza so I can focus on my training and take care of business in the ring. Am definitely going to return into the ring in December," he said.

Joseph Agbeko, who was named Sports Personality of the Year 2007 by the Sports Writers’ body in Ghana (SWAG), now has 29 wins and four losses making his professional record.

"I feel like am born again, I feel like am just starting my career. The most important feeling I have right now is that I have the hunger that I had in me when I newly turned professional. I feel like am beginning my career.

"The hunger in me is very big and I can't wait to get back into the ring to win a world title at super bantamweight. I just want to thank God for what I've past through this few years.

"I thank him for all that he has given my and all that he has taken away from me. He has prepared my heart for the future and I will make a good use of that lesson," he said.