Boxer Osumanu Adama strengthens Accra-Chicago twin city friendship

Ghana’s US based boxer Osumanu Adama has used his own status as the USBA, IBO Intercontinental and IBO International Middleweight champion to strengthen ties with the US city of Chicago as per their twin city relationship with the Ghanaian capital Accra.

Before his expected arrival in Ghana this Thursday April 14, 30 year old Adama who now resides in Joliet, Illinois, took advantage of winning his latest fight against Marcus Upshaw in Illinois to take a Publicity tour of Chicago last week. It began with a visit to Secretary of State Jesse White who was invited by the boxer to come visit Ghana especially when he fights a scheduled world title fight in Accra later this year.

Accompanied by his coach and mentor, Joseph Awinongya and his promoter Cynthia Tolaymat along with his manager Wasfi Tolaymat, Osumanu popularly called Ozzie Adams but now relishing Machine Gun, presented his three championship belts to the Illinois Secretary of State.

"Great job. When are you going to fight for the world title?" asked Jesse White, the 37th Secretary of State of Illinois who prior was a professional baseball player.

Osumanu replied: "I will fight for the world title soon in Ghana, Joseph Awinongya is working with Alhaji Neunsa, and Ghana Boxing Authority President Samir Captan to make it happen.”

Awinongya confirmed the plans hoping that the proposed world title fight in Accra is incorporated into Chicago’s Sister Cities Programme.

“I contacted Ike Quartey and the "Professor" Azumah Nelson who both admitted that it will be great to stage the world championship in Ghana. This is exactly what we need to cement a great bridge between Chicago and Ghana,” Mr. Awinongya said.

Joseph Awinongya is a professional boxing trainer best known as the trainer of Osumanu Adama, but is also a public speaker on sports and operates the Will County Boxing Gym in Joliet, Illinois. He was also a former professional cruiserweight boxer known as 'The African Assassin.'

IBO International champ Osumanu was, as part of the Chicago Tour, on a popular radio show on WJOL on Sunday and the next stop is with Chicago Mayor Richard Daley on Wednesday April 13.

The boxer has also featured in the movie "Dreams" that depicts his training leading up to the win over Upshaw for the 3 titles he currently holds.

Cast includes Joseph Awinongya, Tommy Ford, Syesha Mercado, Lisa Tucker. Vicky Winans, Angie Stone, Geoffrey Owens, Terri J. Vaughn and Mel Jackson.

The trailer can be watched at www.dreamsthemovie.com.