Believer: Boxing degenerating into indiscipline sport

Veteran matchmaker and trainer, Abdul Rasheed William, popularly known as 'Believer' in boxing circles, has issued a stark warning about the future of boxing in Ghana. 

He believes the sport risks becoming unattractive to fans, sponsors, and the corporate world if the current trend of indiscipline and violence during fight nights continues unchecked.

In an interview with Graphic Sports, William expressed his concerns, stating, “What is happening at boxing matches is very shameful. People who ought to know better are destroying the game for future generations. This must stop, this must be stopped.”

William, a former trainer of the Black Hitters, the female national amateur team, has called on the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) and other stakeholders to take immediate action to address these issues. 

He emphasised the need for a thorough investigation into the disturbances that occurred on the night of June 29 at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra and to hold the perpetrators accountable.

The incident in question took place during the headline bout between Ernest Akushey, alias Baubali, and Elvis Ahorgah, alias Soldier Boxer.

A misdemeanour by Akushey's camp in the sixth round forced the referee to end the fight, prompting fans to leave the arena in anger and disappointment. Following the incident, the GBA issued punishments to those responsible for the fracas.

However, William specifically criticised fellow trainer, Lartekwei Lartey, who was in the corner of Elvis Ahorgah, for entering the ring and forcing the referee to stop the bout.

“Coach Lartekwei Lartey, with his years of experience and knowledge in the sport, should have known better. He should never have entered the ring. It is such a shame and a disgrace,” William remarked.

William believed that Lartey’s actions exacerbated the melee outside the ring and created chaos that could have been prevented. 

“This is a trainer who went against the rules and exhibited indiscipline on the night. Such behaviour doesn’t augur well for the sport,” he stated.