Ike Quartey breaks down in tears at boxing extravaganza

Kumasi, Aug 17, GNA - Former World Boxing Authority (WBA) welterweight champion, Ike "Baazoka" Quartey on Saturday night broke down in tears soon after United States-based Ghanaian boxer, Kofi Jantuah defeated Ricardo Manuel Henaro of Argentina in the fourth round of their International Middleweight bout at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi.

Ike, who was besides himself with joy and excitement, told the GNA Sports that the reason for his weeping was because of the charged atmosphere at the stadium which reminded him of his active boxing days. "I am extremely happy for my friend Jantuah for beating Ricardo and hope and pray that he will continue to train hard for the realization of his dreams of becoming an undefeated world champion", he added. Ike commended the two boxers for exhibiting good skills and also praised the teeming boxing fans who thronged the stadium to watch the fight.

The former WBA champion expressed the hope that Ghana would produce more champions after Joshua Clottey had annexed the IBF welterweight title in addition to the IBF bantamweight title won by Joseph Agbeko last year.

In a related development, Joshua Clottey has affirmed his determination to unify all the title belts in his weight division after being crowned the IBF champion.

He told the GNA Sports that, "My aim now is to go for the unification and I do not fear who my next opponent would be as God is my strength".

Clottey described his recent victory over Zab Judah in their bout in the US as a good omen for the country, adding he is hopeful that his feat would give the young boxers in the country the confidence that can ginger them to also make it to the top provided they work hard".

He however sounded a note of caution to his fans that he was not being carried away by his victory over Judah but that he would continue to be disciplined for the realization of his dreams.