Nigerian boxer opts for Ghana

Accra, Jan 17, GNA - Morgano Kubano, a Nigerian-born amateur boxer has openly declared his intention to fight under the Ghana flag when given the chance.

The middleweight boxer said that he is ready to switch nationality anytime his request is given the official consideration by the Ghana Amateur Boxing Association (GABA).

Kubano who disclosed this when he stormed the offices of the Ghana News Agency (GNA) on Wednesday, said that his latest decision follows the several failed attempts he made to represent his fatherland. The twenty=96four year old native of Bendel State explained that he has been overlooked by his countrymen for several international competitions even though he has justified his inclusion into the Nigerian Amateur Boxing Association (NABA) team, after some sterling performances in local championships.

Kubano recounted how he was painfully dropped from the boxing team for the 1999 All Africa Games in Johannesburg, South Africa after excelling with his State's team at the national championships, which served as the criterion for the selection of boxers.

"Twice I was voted the most exciting amateur boxer in Nigeria, in 1994 and 1996, but they never gave me the chance to join the national team for competitions."

He said after almost six years in the national camp with any action, it is now about time to make a move to a place where he would be given the necessary recognition, hence his decision to switch to Ghana, a haven for the pugilistic sport.

The tall, well built boxer who has been in the country since September 2006, trains with the Fit Square Boxing Gym in Accra and has appealed to the GABA to reconsider his request and give it the necessary attention to enable him prove a point.

He told the GNA Sports that he has held preliminary talks with Richard O. Lamptey, General Secretary of GABA, but has not received any positive response as yet.

The boxer said that he wants to bring his rich experience to bear on the national boxing team, the Black Bombers as they prepare for the All Africa Games in Algeria in July, 2007.

Last December at the Prisons Canteen, Kubano displayed his boxing prowess in a catch-weight bout with Bastir Samir, captain of the Bombers during the Greater Accra Amateur Boxing Association's (GAABA) organised Champion of Champions, which the latter was controversially declared the winner.

The Bendel State boxer believes Ghana will give him the right opportunity to achieve his goals of annexing an All Africa or Commonwealth Games medal.

The fact that he has never fought for Nigeria makes his nationality switch not a complex issue, as he is ready to furnish the Association with the necessary documentation upon their request. He however said that he would look elsewhere, when his Ghanaian dream hits a snag. 17 Jan. 07