Novelty boxing tournament starts in Accra

Accra, Oct 8, GNA - A cream of African boxers lined up by their respective countries are to take part in a continental competition with a view to rating them for possible shots at world titles. Through the World Boxing Organization in America and its affiliates in African countries are to facilitate the promotion of the fights and declaration of champions.

These were the highlights at the "Warriors of Africa" programme launched on Tuesday by Mr Joe Donkor, a Deputy Minister of Education, Youth and Sports in Accra.

Effective, October 24, 2003, the maiden fight is scheduled to commence at the Accra Sports Stadium involving seven of Ghana's crack of boxers. Billed to appear on the maiden show are Raymond Narh, Aloy Moyoyo, Laatekwei Hammond, Marciano Commey, Stephen Okine, (Ataa Gyata), Osumanu Yahaya and Kpakpo Allotey.

Mr Joe Donkor urged corporate bodies to support the programme with adequate sponsorship deeds to ensure that the country produces more world champions in line with government's aspirations.

Ms Irene Cole, a representative of WBO paid glowing tributes to the initiators of the programme and express the hope that no efforts would be spared to support it.