Agbeko defends title

All is set for Ghana's IBF Bantamweight champion Joseph Agbeko, to defend his title against his Nicaraguan mandatory challenger, William Josue Gonzalez on December 11 at the Prudential Centre, New Jersey, USA.

This crucial bout has suffered series of holdups emanating from visa challenges for Gonzalez, as well as the differences between promoter Don King and Sam Peters, the Nigerian WBC Heavyweight Champion whose title defense was the main card of the night for the Agbeko/Gonzalez fight among others.


The 28-year-old champion who has an impressive career record of 26 fights, 25 wins with 22 knockouts and one defeat is very confident of retaining his title belt though he has stayed out of the ring more than a year.


His 27-year-old challenger Gonzalez also known as Chirizo has a fight record of 23 fights, 21 wins, 18 knockouts and two defeats.


Speaking through Optimum Media Prime, his PR Managers, from his base in Bronx-New York, where the champion has been undergoing rigorous training under the tutelage of his personal instructor Adama Ardey, he assured Ghanaians that he is bringing back the title on the December 11, he said, “the first time I won the IBF bantamweight title I dedicated it to Ghana for our 50th Anniversary, now am dedicating this title to Ghanaians for a peaceful election.


Ghanaian should come together as Ghanaians but not political opponents and give me the support they've always be given me.


“I want Ghanaians to accept the IBF title as a symbol of peace.

“They should love themselves, families and friends to avoid war.


“I want my fans in Ghana therefore to pray for a peaceful election so that I can be welcomed home after my victory over William Gonzalez.


“William Gonzalez is very ready for this fight and he'll be flying to the States ten days before the fight. I'm also assuring Ghanaians of an impressive win.


“This is my time to reign and I believe am perfectly walking towards the road to success. As I always say, defeat is not my destiny and I promise to defend the good name of Ghana so help me God.”


The Managing Director of OMP, Mr. Kenneth Ashigbey, assured Ghanaians that the managers of the Fresh King Kong have done all in their power to ensure that this time the fight comes on.


He confirmed that the challenger has signed his contract and has also secured a valid visa to enter the US. He added that barring any other unforeseen bizarre twist of fate, the December 11 fight will surely come on. The bout is the main undercard on the IBF Cruiserweight title fight between Steven Cunningham from the USA and the Polish Tomasz Adamek. Other bouts on the bill include a lightweight contest between Henry Crawford and Maximino Cuevas.