Ghanaian boxer poised to give nation first heavyweight title

Accra, June 24, GNA - Lee Manuel, a Ghanaian heavyweight boxer based in Spain has vowed to clinch the first heavyweight title for the nation both on the African continent and the world encounters. Manuel, in a bid to achieve this dream has decided to relocate from his base to Ghana and to seek the support of the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) and Ghanaians as a whole to re-launch his boxing career.

The Ghanaian boxer who boast of 41 fights with four loses and 29 wins through the knockout is scheduled to fight Nigerian Abe Adewale for the African Boxing Union (ABU) Heavyweight title on August 26, as a first step in fulfilling his dream. The bout has received the endorsement of the Africa Boxing Union (ABU) with the promoters, Sikaprix Boxing Promotions finalising arrangements for the fight.

Speaking to the press, Manuel said he had observed with much worry the inability of the nation to produce a heavyweight champion despite her exploits in other divisions of the sport. He said the absence of Ghanaian boxers in the Division has therefore propelled him to relocate to Ghana to exhibit the stuff he is made of to Ghanaians as well as market himself well. "I know Ghanaians are yet to see a heavyweight title and this is the target I hope to reach within one year". He added with confidence, "I'm going to deliver unto the nation a World Boxing Council (WBC) Heavyweight title by the middle of 2006".

Manuel appealed to Ghanaian boxing lovers and sympathisers to support him in his quest to make the nation proud at the world level. According to the promoters, plans are in place to introduce other under-cards on the night to make it a memorable one. Manuel who had spent most of his time in the European boxing ring, mostly in Spain and Germany, saw him annexing three titles in the Light heavyweight and Cruiserweight divisions. Following this arrangement, back from pension, Adama Mensah is expected to make an appearance against a Ghanaian opponent.