Bazooka defends his title in USA this Friday

Accra -Ike "Bazooka" Quartey,will defend his World Boxing Association (WBA) welterweight crown against Ralph "Tiger" Jones of the United States at Las Vegas Hilton Hotel Sports Pavilion, on Friday, April 18.

Mr John Kermah, chairman of Ringcraft Promotions and Management Syndicate, handlers of Quartey, who confirmed the fight in Accra today said this would be Quartey's sixth defence of the crown. Quartey took the crown from Belfast-based Venezuelan Crisanto "Claws" Espana in December 1994 with a 11th round knocked out win. A despatch from Mr Seth Asah, manager/promoter of the syndicate, who is accompanying the champion released today, said the champion has hit a tremendous form and looked set to retain his crown. Quartey said in the despatch that in view of recent reverses in Ghana sports, he is even more determined to prove that there are still good materials around. With regard to his opponent who goes with the acolade "Tiger", Quartey said "he might be a formidable boxer,but I would have answers to his strategy."

The champion, who has been in the United States for the past three weeks to prepare for the fight said: "I have picked up my devastating punches. "I doubt very much if Jones can withstand my pistling bullets", the champion added.

Mr Kermah said he has received a few telephone calls from Ghanaians who are residing in Las Vegas to say that Quartey is a real boxing gem. According to the callers Quartey is sure to retain his crown to further establish himself as one of the boxing giants in the world. Mr Kermah said Quartey's victory in Friday's fight would not be for him alone, but for all Ghanaians as "we celebrate our 40th Independence anniversary". He therefore appealed to all to demonstrate their love for Quartey once again by praying for him to retain his crown. Quartey record stands at 32 fights, winning all with 30 knockouts.