Ghana's Richard Oblitey Commey believes he needs as many of his fans as possible to cheer him on when he faces hard customer, Denis Shafikov next week Friday, December 2 at the Tough Fight Gym in the Russia capital, Moscow in a mandatory final eliminator for the IBF Lightweight world title.
Commey (24-1, 22 KOs) hopes to set up a rematch with American, Robert Easter Jnr with victory over the highly rated Shafikov (37-2-1, 20 KOs) whose only two career defeats came via decisions in world title fights against Miguel Vazquez in 2014 and Rances Barthelemy in 2015.
Commey suffered his first career defeat and the chance to be the IBF lightweight world champion via a hotly disputed split points' decision to Easter Jr in the USA back in September and reckons the lack of direct support from his own fans at the Santander Arena, Reading, Pennsylvania also played a significant role against his chances.
Ahead of their expected departure from Ghana to Russia next Monday, November 28, Team Commey are also hoping their fans would be cleared in their numbers to join them in Moscow later for the fight which he must win to set up another bid for the world title.
"Having my fans at the fight venue to support me is very important, it's not easy to face somebody in their hometown so the little motivation I can get from my fans cheering me on and encouraging me will be a big boost," Commey said.
"I will be very grateful if as many Ghanaians and my fans can make it to the fight in Russia, I will be delighted to see my people in the stands singing my name. That will mean a lot to me and I hope those who want to go will not have any problems with their visa and travel arrangements," the former Commonwealth champion stated.