The Chief Executive Officer of the boxing promotion agency, Legacy Rise Sport, Sharaf Mahama, has disclosed why he switched from professional football to boxing promotion.

According to him, he began playing football at a young age, featuring as a striker, a position in which he excelled.

He explained that after returning home from football training or matches, he often spent time watching boxing highlights, especially bouts involving British boxer Anthony Joshua, which gradually sparked his interest in the sport.

Bukom Banku, Ayittey Powers spotted with Sharaf Mahama ahead of 'showdown' bout

Speaking in an interview with Joy Prime, Sharaf Mahama revealed that he later successfully organised a bout in the United Kingdom for Ghanaian boxer Seth Gyimah, popularly known as Freezy Macbones, and remained involved in the sport from there.

“So whilst I was playing professional football, I always used to come home, put on YouTube, watch boxing highlights, Anthony Joshua’s fights, so I just grew that love. And when I decided to stop football, Freezy came from the UK to Ghana and we decided to put on a show for him. And that made me realise that we could actually do sports promotion,” he said.

The boxing promoter also indicated that he acquired a FIFA agent certificate to help develop more local players who can thrive and eventually feed into the national teams.

“And at the same time, I got my FIFA licence, just to be able to support local footballers, give them opportunities outside Ghana and in other parts of the world,” he added.

Sharaf Mahama’s Legacy Rise Sport has been organising boxing bouts in the country, featuring both local and foreign fighters.

His “Showdown” boxing event is scheduled to take place on December 20, 2025, at the Legon Sports Stadium.

Watch the interview below:

“While I was playing professional football, I used to come home and watch boxing highlights.”

CEO of Legacy Rise Sports explains how his passion for boxing grew alongside his love for football.#JoySports pic.twitter.com/RjJPLdDCzQ

— #JoySports (@JoySportsGH) December 17, 2025