Don King in town

BOXING'S most controversial character, Don King, breezed into town yesterday morning with an agenda to relax, savour Ghanaian hospitality and make champions of some of the country's promising boxers.

The American promoter arrived in Accra aboard a Ghana Airways aircraft with a four-man crew and still sporting the aura of a monarch. He told the media that he is here at the invitation of his Ghanaian friend, Prince Poku, to be part of the celebration of Lennox Lewis' 37th birthday, meet boxing legend Azumah Nelson, his good old pal John Kermah of Ringcraft Promotions Syndicate fame, as well as explore other opportunities aimed at giving Ghana boxing a new lease of life.

"I'm happy to be here in Ghana, one of the foremost African countries. Ghana is on the move and I feel good to be here. The only place to be now is Accra and Trasaco Valley" King said, referring to the plush East Legon estate where the WBA, IBF and IBO heavyweight champion would throw a birthday party on Monday. The 70-year-old man made legends out of such pugilists as Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier, Julio Cesar Chavez, Felix Trinidad and Ghana's Azumah. He also promoted former world champion, Nana Yaw Konadu, and currently has welterweight Jantuah in his stable.

Jantuah, once ranked No.4 in the 147-class, is experiencing a decline in fortunes and no longer a top contender to the world title. King, in typical inimitable vocabulary, explained that Jantuah unfortunately has been disappointing and also crafted his own downfall. But the producer believes that the boxer has the ability to rise up again.

"Jantuah is a nice man but he's confused. He hasn't exhibited the famed Ashanti warrior. It's a sad commentary because he listens to too many people.... Every week he's got a new man who tells him something different than he's used to. "Jantuah is a good fighter but he first has to work his way out, so I'm asking for the prayer of Ghanaians. We'll help him.

Perhaps the best news delivered by the American with a trademark shocking hairstyle and booming laugh was, "I want to build up Ghana boxing.... I'm here to talk to the people who handle boxing to see how, where, when that we can be able to do something for the betterment of the people."

With the eloquence of a preacherman touching on a wide range of issues to explain a point, the Hall of Famer admitted that the sport is undergoing an evolutionary process, with the Mike Tyson era fading fast while other ring greats have retired or on the way to retirement. It's an evolutionary process, just like growth and development of boxing.

"We have yesterday's heroes and the unsung heroes - in the bush, right there on the street. You've got to find someone who can rise to the occasion. All over the world there are those who were yesterday's nobodies who are today's somebodies. You have to have faith and persevere", King added.

"I'm always ever vigilant, I know that very soon some warrior will rise to be there to bring glory to Ghana and money to the economy."