'Bazooka' Fired Up

IKE QUARTEY'S Trainer, Oko Odamten is brimming with optimism ahead of their bout against America's Ronald 'Winky' Wright on December 2nd in the United States of America.

The trainer, who together with Ike, won the dedication and valour award in the just-ended 'Men Only Boxing Awards Nights," emphasized that they want to go the extra mile to avoid what befell them in what they describe as a 'stolen verdict' against Vernon Forrest in the States a few months ago.

"We are putting our house in order by plunging into serious training to give Ghanaians a pre-x'mas bonanza with a victory," he told The Chronicle Sports after training session yesterday on telephone.

He added that, 'We want to prove to the whole world that, the best is yet to come out from the former World Champion, this time round, the difference will be clearer than what the world witnessed against Forrest.

Reacting to how the robbery incident at the Coconut Grove Regency Hotel has affected the former World Champion, he disclosed, "Ike has put that behind him and focusing on what is ahead, he is determined to throw in much in the December showdown," he added.

Asked how far the fight will travel, Oko indicated that, for now, I can't predict how far the fight will travel, but 'Winky,' will certainly not stand our way as we hanker for greater heights in the sport.

The Ring Magazine Come Back Boxer Of The Year, told the press after the robbery incident last Thursday evening that he was leaving nothing for chance in the forthcoming bout.

"I have intensified my work rate and very positive to come out victorious in the pre-x' mas bout in December. I have not reached my peak yet, but I know I will peak in performance before I mount the ring," he noted.

He pointed out that all being equal, he and his team would leave for the US on October 18, to put finishing touches to the good work they have already embarked on at his Kokrobite base.