I used to be a thief but money from boxing changed me – Bukom Banku

Braimah Kamoko popularly referred to as Bukom Banku has opened up on his journey from a ‘street fighter and thief’ to one of Ghana’s most celebrated boxers.

Banku is known for his exploits as a boxer, comedian and actor but prior to taking up these professions Banku led a lifestyle that not many will be proud of.

In an interview with Abeiku Santana on the Atuu Show, Banku detailed the kind of lifestyle he used to live before becoming a professional boxer which paved way for the other things his name is associated with.

According to the man who lost his unbeaten record to Bastie Samir, thievery, pickpocketing and robbery where his engagements before establishing himself as a pugilist.

“I’m a ghetto boy. I used to go to the seashore, Kantamanto and other places to fight. I’m a street fighter. I did rough things like picking people’s money, beating people rough. So it’s the ghetto people I used to do these things with who told me that the way you have strength, you have to be a boxer so they sent me to the gym. Right now boxing has made a superstar in the nation so I’m really grateful to all ghetto people”.

Banku has often been referred to as a ‘local champion’ who is unable to replicate his impressive form on the international stage but in his first bout outside Ghana, he recorded third round knockout win over German boxer Rojhat Bilgetekin.

Banku is still revelling in his victory which he reckons makes irrelevant suggestions that he is a ‘local champion’.

“People always talk. Banku can’t fight international fight but now their mouths have been shamed. I fight international fights and I’m going to do more fights to bring IBF to Ghana”