Mr. Mustapha Nettey, Treasurer of the Ghana Boxing Federation (GBF) has called for early preparations of the national boxing teams, the Black Bombers (male) and Black Hitters (female) ahead of the next Commonwealth in two years. and the Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028.
Speaking to Yours Truly in an exclusive interview, he described as very sad and unacceptable that Ghana was not represented at the Paris 2024 in Boxing which has been a sport that has given the nation much recognition and respect.
He said Boxing has given Ghana four Olympic medals comprising one silver (1960) and three bronze in previous Games in 1964, 1972, and 2020.
According to Nettey, a Ring Announcer and Score Master, Ghana Boxing will be represented by new budding talents as most of the Black Bombers have turned professional, naming Jonathan Tetteh. Samuel Takyi. Mohammed Amadu, Mohammed Ayitey and Theophilus Allotey.
He revealed that the national youth team being groomed by Coach Charles Quartey has the chance to dominate the new national team as they will soon become elite fighters.
He however insisted on the organisation of a National Open Championship to give opportunity to other boxers in the other regions.
He noted that it is not encouraging for the boxers to always train with the same partners and urged the government to support them in bilateral friendly Games with other countries, especially in Eastern Europe and Asia where they can get international exposure and experience.
Mr. Mustapha Nettey and Vice President of the GBF, Alhaji Dauda Fuseni were in Paris recently to witness the 2024 Olympic Games and praised the general organisation.
He stressed that Ghana must take the next Olympic Games in the USA very seriously with a plan to participate and win medals.
By Sammy Heywood Okine