GBA / GBF Takes Major Decisions At Bukom Fist Of Fury League Stakeholders Meeting
The Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) in conjunction with the Ghana Boxing Federation (GBF) met stakeholders in the running of the 2018 Bukom Fist of Fury Boxing League and Championship Fight Nights on Friday November 30.
In attendance were the GBA president Peter Zwennes, GBF president George Lamptey, Mr. Dapaah MD of the Trust Sports Emporium (Bukom Boxing Arena), Abram Allotey vice president of the GBA, Mr. D. A. Annan, Mr. Yoofi Boham, Rabon Dodoo, ring officials, coaches, referees, medics, promoters, managers, boxers, the media and boxing fans as well as some members of the Ghana Boxing Supporters Union (GBSU).
Peter Zwennes who set the agenda rolling said after three editions, the organization of the League has been assessed to be very expensive, almost depleting the sponsorship from GNPC which some part went into publicity and launching of the programme.
He said it was due to financial reason that the fourth edition was moved from the Arena to Chorkor Extra O with the aim of taking the game to the people, as subsequent ones would be held at James Town and other places during festive seasons.
As professional boxers were demanding bigger purses and the purpose of the meeting was to cut down expenditure, it was decided that professional fights must be held monthly instead of fortnightly, and professional boxers must engage responsible managers and promoters to support them.
It was also decided that amateur boxers should be given attractive gifts and boxing gear / equipment than cash.
Mr. Michael Yarboi Annan of Dons Promotions adviced the meeting that sports and boxing should be taken as a business and operated to yield profits and benefit society. He urged the GBA and GBF to have strong marketing and sponsorship wings to fly the remarkable and laudable concept of the Bukom Fist of Fury.
Doctor Aryeetey informed the gathering that doping and other medical offences in sports, especially boxing would be taken very serious and adviced boxers to periodically check their medical conditions.
Coach Ofori Asare, the national coach of Wisdom Club, Charles Quartey and experienced Rashid ‘Believer’ Williams thanked the GBA and GBF for supporting the boxers and clubs as the league has kept the amateur boxers active, in shape, and built their confidence, records, exposure and experience.
They noted that the boxers are the most important in the issues at stake and they should be enticed, motivated and rewarded accordingly.
An appeal was made by the communications department of the GBA to the media to support and promote the programme which has the ultimate goal of producing amateur champions to represent Ghana at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020.
By Sammy Heywood Okine