Nana Addo, John Mahama called to congratulate me – Bukom Banku

Ghanaian boxer, Braimah Kamoko, better known as Bukom Banku, says he has received encouragement from very prominent members of the society not to quit the sport after recording his first victory outside the shores of Ghana at age 41.

The eccentric boxer received a rousing welcome on his return home from the United Kingdom last Friday and says those who think he is over the hill should brace themselves for a career revival from him.

According to Bukom Banku, President Nana Akufo-Addo, ex-President John Dramani Mahama, Sports Minister Isaac Asiamah have all called to congratulate him and also told him to keep his focus as he aims to get a world title fight in the near future.

“I received a call from President Nana Akufo-Addo, John Mahama, Sports Minister, Stonebwoye, Shatta Wale and many people who say they are happy for him. I want to assure them that I will keep training and win a title soon,” he said.

Hundreds of fans thronged the Kotoka International Airport on Friday morning to welcome their ‘hero’ back home in spectacular style.

Last Saturday, Kamoko, returning to the ring after a long hiatus, knocked out his German opponent, Rojhat Bilgetekin to win his first international fight outside Africa.

Banku earned the victory after dropping the German in round 3 at St George Hall in Bradford, UK. The self-acclaimed 'African Mayweather' who loves to inform his fans to attend his fight on time in order not to miss any action was true to his words this time by ending the fight in less than 10 minutes.

The current WBO African champion was denied a fight abroad by his former promoters because of an alleged eye problem.

But after crossing the hurdle of never fighting outside Ghana, Bukom Banku is now hungry for more and has vowed not to let his advancing age stop him from greatness.

“This is my first international fight and I will want everyone to continue to pray for me to win my next fight. I didn't have any support in Britain, there were only two Ghanaians in the stands, but by God's grace I used my sensibility to win my fight. My next fight will be next month and by God's grace I will stop my opponent in round 4 and I urge everyone to pray for me because Ghanaians love me,” Banku told the press gathered at the airport.

Since his historic defeat to Bastie Samir in 2017, Banku had always wished to find his feet back and this win definitely came at the right time.