Boxing-Ike returns home from the US

Accra (Greater Accra) 3 March, ?99 -Ike "Bazooka" Quartey, former WBA welterweight champion, returned home to a tumultuous welcome at the Kotaka International Airport in Accra today.

Placard-bearing fans, in truck loads, besieged the airport three hours before the aircraft touched down, singing, drumming and dancing amidst firing of musketry. Some of the placards read "Ike you are the Lion of Africa" "Every human being is liable to mistakes", Ike you are a Hero". Ike was later carried shoulder high by the fans as he waived a white handkerchief, an indication of victory. In an interview with reporters, Ike described his fight with Oscar De La Hoya as a very good one and said no one has ever fought the WBC champion the way he did. This, he said, has made him popular all over America. As regards his future plans, Ike said "I have not decided yet, I will do so in about two or three months time. Ike descibed the jubilation by some Ghanaians after losing the fight as "a big disgrace to Ghana since it has never happened in the history of boxing. He said all over America, people were shocked to hear about such a shameful act and added that "I am not ashamed because I have my wife and kids with me, who still believe in me. "I love Ghana and will keep flying the flag of Ghana high where ever I go", the former WBA champion said. As to wether there would be a rematch of the fight, Dr. Soone, Ike's personal physician, said there is the possibility of the two boxers meeting later.

Also at the airport to welcome Ike were Nii Quaye Mensah, Chairman of the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) and Alhaji Showmi Williams also of the GBA. Ike lost by a split-decision to WBC Champion Oscar de La Hoya in their fight on Saturday, 13th February. the fight on Saturday, February 13 in the United States by a split-points decision.