Ghanaian boxing fans have been asked to play their part in the quest to revive the flagging fortunes of the sport in the country. Aside the motivation to their heroes and colour atmosphere of fans on fight nights, their high patronage can help generate revenue to cater for the huge bills promoters face. That is why one of Ghana’s most astute Matchmakers has appealed to fans to troop in their numbers to watch boxing.
Carl Lokko, the Matchmaker of this Saturday’s ‘Night of Punches’ boxing show says until most fans show interest and attend matches, boxing promoters will struggle to cope. Top on the bill for the September 26 extravaganza is returnee James ‘Bukom Fire’ Armah in a ten rounder against Brazilian Andre Nascimento. Sidney Siquera, set to battle Ghana’s Lartei Laryea in a 10 round International Super Lightweight is another Brazilian on the card of the Goldenmike Boxing Promotions event. Mr. Lokko says that unless Ghanaians embrace the sport and all, government, fans, sponsors, support boxing, Ghana can hardly stage international fight nights in the country. “It is very expensive because when you bring boxers down, you have to pay them well, at least $5,000 each which is not small money in our side of the world. So if the fans fail to turn up to watch, then it is difficult to continue,” Lokko said.
GoldenMike boss Mike Tetteh has also packaged four other top duels on the 'Night of Punches' scheduled for the Ohene Djan Stadium. Local hero Prosper Ankrah fights Nigerian Ibrahim Adewale for 12 rounds in a Commonwealth title final eliminator with Bilal Mohammed boxing John Larbi for eight rounds in an all-Ghanaian Lightweight clash. Former Commonwealth Middleweight champion Osmanu Adama is also on the card against Moses Adams and Isaac Selorm also battles Theophilus Tetteh in an eight round Welterweight bout.
Weigh-in for all boxers on the ‘Night of Punches’ bill meanwhile takes place on Friday at 11 am, Ohene Djan Stadium in Accra.
