WBC Vice-President: Boxing Arena very important for Ghana

By Prince Dornu-Leiku

Houcine Houichi, Vice-President of the World Boxing Council (WBC) has welcomed the news that a boxing arena will be built in Ghana soon. Mr. Houichi who is also the President of African Boxing Union (ABU), says unless there is a modern arena befitting the sport, no one would bring a world title fight to this country.

That’s why he was himself with so much joy after hearing the news that a Kuwaiti based business group facilitated by Heart of Lions Promotions President Victor Ahiakpor are close to start work on a $40 million boxing arena in Ghana.

The WBC Vice-President got wind of the news when Ahiakpor famously called Abramovich flanked by his Kuwaiti entourage led by Saud Al-Mass, was interviewed in the ring during Monday night’s ‘Put up or Shut up’ boxing promotion at the Lebanon House in Accra.

“I think it’s very good news for boxing fans in Ghana. The development of professional boxing depends on the right conditions necessary for championship fights. It’s not possible to have international events, even African level in such environs.

“It’s not possible that boxers don’t have a dressing room, they dress in public, it’s not possible,” Mr. Houichi told SportsInGhana.com on Tuesday morning at the Coconut Grove Regency Hotel where he’s lodging in Accra. He has been here since Saturday and supervised Monday’s boxing show which had Ghanaian Patrick Allotey beating Burkinabe namesake Sou Toke for the WBC International silver welterweight belt. He has since departed Accra for his France base on Wednesday.

Furthermore, Houichi, who is also the WBC President for the Mediterranean as well as Vice-President of UFB (Union Francophone de Boxing), adds: “For me it (arena) is good news, it is very good news for boxing in Ghana. For me, that’s what you are lacking.

“It’s even important for the image of the country. You can’t bring people from outside and put them in such bad conditions (as at the Lebanon House). It’s not good for the country’s image. This is business, you must be professional.

“You need good, serious and strong promoters, this is business, the promoter has to know his responsibilities and I’m delighted to hear of this new promoter called Ahiakpor. I’ve heard he’s serious and I can assure him of the WBC’s full support.”