Commey gets IBF title shot in Ghana

Boxing promotional giants, Golden Concept Management will stage a return to the local boxing scene with the announcement of a world title championship before the end of the year.

Owned by Mr. Henry Ekow Manly-Spain, a former manager of Braimah Kamoko, alias Bukom Banku, the company has advanced with talks to stage an International Boxing Federation (IBF) lightweight championship in Ghana latest by the first week in September.

That opportunity would give Ghana’s campaigner, Richard Commey a shot at the title he has been chasing for over two years under his management, Streetwise Promotions based in the UK and owned by a Ghanaian boxing enthusiast, Michael Amoo-Bediako.

Speaking to the Times Sports from Turkey where discussion on the fight is ongoing, Mr. Manly-Spain said his management has come to compliment the work done so far on Richard Commey, who until three months ago held the Commonwealth and IBF Inter-continental lightweight belts.

The IBF lightweight title is currently held by American orthodox boxer, Mickey Bey and would stage his third defense against Rances Barthelemy on Friday, June 3 at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Florida.

According to Mr. Manly-Spain, his company was working around the clock to stage the fight in Ghana to give Ghanaians the chance to watch a real boxing championship; a spectacle that has eluded fans for a long time.

He said officials of Golden Concept and Streetwise are working together with that of the IBF, which has given a positive indication of staging the next defense in Ghana.

Meanwhile, Commey is expected to travel to the USA to watch the Mickey Bey and Barthelemy clash on Friday to have an idea of how his next opponent fights.

Carl Lokko, Head Coach at the Bronx gym where Commey trains told the Times Sports that the trip was important for the boxer who has gone unbeaten in 24 fights with as many as 22 ending via the short rout.

“The two boxers have impressive records and for that reason, we must see them in action to plan well. Bey has lost just a fight out his 22 outings with Barthelemy also unbeaten in 24 appearances. Clearly this tells you they are crack boxers but after watching them, we will devise our own strategies to face them.”

“We are ready for whoever wins. We don’t have a choice at this moment when an opportunity we have chased for so long finally comes.”

According to Lokko, preparation for the big day has started already, and Team Commey would leave nothing to chance in their quest to bring a world title to Ghana.