PKO Boxing honours DK Poison for pioneering legacy
Ghana’s first-ever boxing world champion, David Kotei, known in sporting circles as DK Poison, has been honoured as the second recipient of the Restoring Legends Hope Campaign, an initiative by PKO Boxing and the PKO Foundation aimed at recognising and supporting Ghana’s past boxing heroes.
The campaign, led by CEO Edward Osei in memory of his late father, Peter Kwabena Osei (PKO), seeks not only to nurture young talent into future world champions but also to celebrate the pioneers whose achievements paved the way for Ghana’s international boxing success.
DK Poison, who bypassed an amateur career to turn professional, made history on September 20, 1975, when he defeated Mexico’s Ruben Olivares in Inglewood, California, to claim the WBC featherweight title. In doing so, he became the first Ghanaian — and indeed the first Ghanaian in any sport — to win a world championship.
His triumph opened the door for boxing legends such as Azumah Nelson, Nana Yaw Konadu, Ike “Bazooka” Quartey, Alfred “Cobra” Kotey, Joshua Clottey, Joseph Agbeko, Isaac Dogboe and Richard Commey to follow in his footsteps.
The recognition comes shortly after former two-division champion Nana Yaw Konadu became the inaugural recipient of the PKO initiative on January 9 during a community tournament at Abelemkpe, Accra. Konadu, who held the WBC Super Flyweight and WBA Bantamweight titles, had suggested DK Poison as a deserving honouree.
PKO Boxing and the PKO Foundation wasted no time in preparing a comprehensive support package for DK Poison, presented last Saturday at Seconds Out Gym in Accra, a facility the organisations are partnering with to transform into a modern, community-focused boxing and fitness centre within six months.
The tribute included an undisclosed cash award, lifelong medical cover, a monthly stipend, formal citations and a well-stocked hamper.
The ceremony was attended by former Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) President Zwennes, the immediate past 1st Vice-President, Rabbon Dodoo, and Nana Yaw Konadu, who recounted DK Poison’s mentorship and influence during his early career.
“This is a big surprise, and I’m grateful to the PKO Foundation for this kind gesture,” an emotional DK Poison said. “We have done a lot to raise high the flag of Ghana, and it’s nice to be recognised this way.”
