Five Bombers advance to medal zone

Algiers, July 17, GNA - Five Ghanaian boxers are in contention for medals after the fourth day of pugilistic action at the 9th All Africa Games in Algiers. Light flyweight (48kg) Manyo Plange, Flyweight (54kg) Issa Samir and his brother, welterweight, Bastir Samir, (69kg) top the list of Ghana's medal hopefuls in boxing. Middleweight Ahmed Saraku, (75kg) and Light heavyweight, Emmanuel Danso, (81kg) complete the list of the Bombers who march into the quarter finals of the competition and are one step away from medals.

Moses Dormenyo (64) who had posted one of the most impressive victories in the competition, when he came from seven points behind to pit his Cameroonian opponent in the first round failed to advance on the fourth day.

Dormenyo capitulated to the superior ring craft of Senegalese, Abdou Sow who left no one in doubt about the decision due to his exquisite style and bravado, that drew applause and commendation from fans. R.O. Lamptey Jnr. General Secretary of the Ghana Amateur Boxing Association (GABA) said the boxers had promised to go to the extreme to make Ghana proud.

He said the elimination of Dormenyo and the naked robbery of team icon and Commonwealth medallist, Awusoni Yekini not withstanding, the team was determined to return home honourably.

Team coach, Roberto Ibanez Chavez said the stage the boys had got to needed total concentration and the determination to win because every boxer who has reached that point is in a class of his own.

'The difference will be the mental toughness and the willingness to win and I hope by boys will fight well.'

Ghana came to Algiers with nine boxers. While the results of three of them were accepted in good faith, Ghana protested against the loss of Commonwealth bronze medallist Awusoni Yekini against a Cameroonian opponent who clinged for two rounds and refused to box. The protest was thrown out but the fight referee was sanctioned and banned from further officiating at the competition.