USA-based Ghanaian professional boxing trainer, Joseph Awinongya Snr has urged the Ghana Boxing Authority to organize regular fights for young boxers in Ghana for them to shine in the sport.
Ghana known for producing one of the greatest African boxer, Azumah Nelson and Richard Commey has suffered setbacks and now struggling for titles at the World stage despite recent efforts from the likes of Isaac Dogboe and Joseph Agbeko.
Boxing once the pride of the nation, has been neglected to the point where it struggles to thrive in the game it once dominated.
Speaking in an interview with Edward King Akuffo on Atinka TV, Awinongya urged the federation to invest and follow the steps America to unearth and nurture upcoming boxers.
“The GBA are responsible for the betterment of Amateur Boxing. In America, we select the boxers on random basis to see their strengths. They also travel to different countries to fight and develop experience. Regular fights for young boxers can also help them to grow in the game.
“We have boxing everywhere in America here and you have to travel for exposure. I have been travelling with my son Joseph everyday. We travel for 26 hours, 14 hours, 13 hours and 6 hours just to fight. He will turn 17 this month but he has almost 160 fights. It has helped him to develop experience. He is also a national champion and also a number one. They will succeed If only you are able to train them well.” he stated.
Joseph Awinongya Snr, who is the father of American-based Ghanaian boxer, Joseph Awinongya Jnr is best known as the trainer of IBO International Middleweight champion Osumanu Adama. He was also a former professional cruiserweight boxer known as ‘The African Assassin’.
He has established a boxing gym for fighters from Ghana to come to the United States and train, where he feels they will not be taken advantage of by unscrupulous managers and promoters.
