Boxing News of Wednesday, 19 February 2014

Source: Sammy Heywood Okine

Clottey to fight Ryan Barret for WBU crown

Ghana’s Emmanuel Clottey will fight Ryan Barret of England for the WBU Welterweight title on March 15, 2014 at the Bournemouth International Center, in the United Kingdom.

Emmanuel who is the elder brother is former International Boxing Federation (IBF) Welter weight champion Joshua Clottey said he is destined to become a world champion and he is very grateful to the promoters and everyone involved in the promotion.

He expressed that he is not yet finished as some people may think, but he has been training regularly every day just waiting for the opportunity.

Emmanuel Clottey promised to relaunch his career with the WBU and go on to win the WBC and WBA titles.

“I am ready any time to fight anywhere. I know that I was born to become a world champion in boxing and I have not achieved it yet, but I believe it will come to past. I will utilize this chance very well and I tell my fans to pray for me and Ghana, thank you” he told yours truly.

The bout arranged by King Fisher Match Maker Promotions will see four other Ghanaians battling Britons, three of them world title bouts.

The promoter Prince Tuffour said Michael Barnor will lead the pack of the four boxers with an attempt at the (WBU) Super Bantamweight title against Jamie Speight, with Ibrahim Labaran taking on Gareth Hogg for the WBU Light Heavyweight title.

Also seeking for glory in the WBU division is Philip Kotey who will fight Scot Dixon for the Super Middleweight title, whilst Emmanuel Clottey battles Ryan Barret for the WBU Welterweight title.

Michael Ansah will however take on Lain Weaver in a ten round Super Featherweight contest.

Ghana Boxing has lost a bit of touch and the Media Committee of the GBA wants to appeal to promoters and managers to make their bills attractive.

The PRO of the GBA, Naa Darkua Dodoo said if promotions are not done at home and the boxers get the chance to fight outside, it is also very good as it offers them the much needed exposure and experience..

She called on the Ghana Sports Media to offer boxing the same mileage and support they give to football.

Meanwhile, the heat is on the local non-title contest between Bukom Banku and his colleague Ayitey Powers.

Fans of the two loud mouths are gathering momentum for the D day labeled as the day of judgement and for the loser to shut up.

They have gone on radio and television to market the fight and every boxing fan want to be part of this history.

Banku, is undefeated in 26 fights with 20 KOs while Powers has lost 23 times in 42 fights, winning 19.

Both have predicted knock out wins, meaning the Accra Sports St