GBF to woo Awinongya Jnr to represent Ghana

The Ghana Boxing Federation (GBF) has expressed interest in inviting American-born Ghanaian amateur fighter, Joseph Awinongya Jnr, to compete for the nation at the Commonwealth Games, Olympic Games and the World Championship.

According to the president of the GBF, Mr George Lamptey, his outfit was monitoring the progress of Awinongya Jnr, alias Jojo, who is touted to be the next great thing in boxing, having won several amateur laurels in the US.

Documentary

Speaking at a press conference in Accra last Friday to launch Awinongya Jnr’s upcoming second career documentary shoot, "Fight in America, The Movement 2020" in the United States of America in March, Mr Lamptey said he was looking forward to inviting the youngster to compete for Ghana until he turns 19 to decide which country he would want to represent.

“We will support this young talent and are ready to invite him to compete for Ghana at the Commonwealth, Olympics and World Championship.

“My outfit has been monitoring his progress and we’re looking forward to give him the chance to team up with our team until he is 19 years when he will have the chance to choose which country he wants to fight for,” he said.

Nurturing talent

Meanwhile, legendary Azumah Nelson has called on handlers of Awinongya Jnr to allow him to stay in the US and nurture his talent.

The former three-time world champion believes the American-born Ghanaian would waste his talent should he opt to compete for Ghana.

“I want the boy to stay in the US and nurture his talent because he will come here and waste his talent,” Azumah stressed.

For his part, a key benefactor to the growth of Awinongya Jnr’s career, Alhaji Inusah Sally, asked the young fighter to remain disciplined if he is to attain higher heights in the sport.

Alhaji Sally noted that training was the only antidote to making it in boxing and called on Awinongya Jnr’s father and trainer, Josephy Awinongya Snr, to continue leading his son in the right direction.