I lost interest in boxing — Ike Quartey

Former World Boxing Association (WBA) welterweight titlist, Ike ‘Bazooka’ Quartey, says he felt cheated and therefore lost interest in boxing after his controversial defeat to legendary Oscar De La Hoya in 1999.

Quartey described the split decision loss to the American as “unbelievable,” considering how he dominated the fight.

The hard-hitting Ghanaian was in pole position to win the clash until a knockdown and flurry of punches in the final round gifted De La Hoya the verdict on the scorecards.

Quartey lost on a split points decision but proved himself as one of the best welterweights at the time with his performance against boxing’s ‘Golden Boy’.

Painful defeat

Recounting how he painfully lost to De La Hoya 21 years ago, Quartey was optimistic he won the bout and believes his opponent was handed victory on a silver platter.

“I won that fight and everyone knows it. You can’t judge a bout by just a round because the verdict is supposed to reflect 12 rounds.

“He didn’t win the fight but he was only given the win on boxing politics at the time,” an emotional Quartey said.

End of career

Quartey lost the bout and never really got the chance to climb back despite fighting for the International Boxing Federation (IBF) crown in 2000 against Fernando Vargas.

After the Vargas defeat, Quartey went on to win three times in five bouts before hanging up his gloves for good in 2006.