Managing boxers is for people with deep passion – Bernie Johnson
Mr. Bernie Johnson aka ‘BJ Wise’, a popular boxing manager has disclosed that it is only people with deep passion and understanding of the game who invest in Boxing or manage boxers in Ghana because the reward is not anything to write home about unless you win a world title.
Sharing his thoughts and ideas on ‘The Big Fight Night’ on Omashi TV, he called on boxers to be very disciplined to attract managers.
As manager of former WBO Africa super Bantamweight champion Isaac Sackey, Isaac Commey and Mawuli Adjei he puts in much investment and feels so bad when they misbehave like the incident between Commey and Sampson Segbedzi on the Box Office bill which he did not like the behaviour of the president of the Ghana Boxing Authority when there are rules and regulations governing the game.
He noted that many things drive away investors in Boxing, so he expects fair officiating.
He also urged boxing fans and spectators to behave and not take the law into their hands.
Bernie Johnson who is the chairman of the Greater Accra Amateur Boxing Association observed that the weak financial backbone of amateur boxing affects the professionals, so there must be corporate and government support.
“A fraction of what is spent of football, especially the Black Stars can turn the fortunes of Ghana Boxing” he expressed.
He called for positive leadership at the Ghana Boxing Authority to make the sport attractive.
According to Johnson the rewards in boxing are massive is it is managed well, because it can touch the whole country.
By Sammy Heywood Okine.