The streets of Accra were very tough for a boy growing up with lots of dreams but limited support. No matter how much effort you placed in whatever you were doing, it still looked too little to bring results.
“My father was a teacher and my mother was a trader. It was not all rosey as I would have wanted it. As many were fortunate to have both parents around while growing up, I happen to have my dad away at Nigeria while my mother sick, there was no room to rest as I had to go out there and make a living at all cost.
In 1986, on my way from town and still at a young age, I saw a couple of guys grouped and cheering some people on, I went closer and saw they were fighting. At first, I thought it was one of the brawls guys always have but this was different, they were looking different as they had gloves on.
“I spoke to one of them that I was interested in the sport they were into and that is where it all started for me. I used to move from one gym to the other trying to find a place to train as my love for the sport grew by the day. I joined Cassava Boxing Club where I started to understand the fundamentals of boxing and its techniques.
I was trained by the current Ghana National Boxing team coach, Mr. Ofori Asare who had time to take me and the other bombers through boxing ethics and how to stay discipline in all aspects of our lives. He became my friend and teacher from there.
Everything was going according to plan as I got drafted into the Ghana National Boxing team, I was with the Black Bombers as an amateur boxer for 14years and won many medals for Ghana. I represented Ghana in the ‘All African Games’ three times as well as other accolades.
My continued determination as a member of the Black Bombers elevated me to the status team Captain until 1995 when I joined the military. It was an exciting experience as many already knew me for my sporting prowess.
I remember fighting Braima Kamoko and defeating him two times in a row. I traveled the world and have been invited by many outfits including Star Gymnasium to train their students in boxing. I have been to Germany, South Africa, Malaysia among other countries on the ticket of boxing.
In the year 2002 I had the opportunity and traveled to the United States of America where I gathered more experience in boxing until I returned home to set up my own gym to support the community.
I am currently the national junior and juvenile boxing coach. These teams were formed this month and we have received immense support from Mr. Moses Foh-Amoaning Esq. we have our training session every Saturday since all the teammates are in school and I would not allow boxing to influence they education.
It has been a long journey and I have made name for myself both at home and outside. Looking back at the struggle I went through, I would never love to see any of the children currently receiving grooming to experience such and would always push for the best for them if it means going into my own coffers.
Written by: Nana Kojo Sakyie Eduafo-Quansah
Photo Credit: 29PhotoStudio
Read more on www.boxinghana.com