Boxing News of Wednesday, 24 March 2004

Source: GNA

Congo Soldier cries foul, wants Amidu, Narh

Accra, March 24, GNA - Ben 'Congo Soldier' Ankrah is peeved by the choice of Raymond Narh and Abdulai Amidu over him by the Ghana Boxing Association to fight for the World Boxing Council (WBC) International lightweight title.

Speaking to the GNA Sports on Wednesday, the rugged boxer said he was the most qualified lightweight boxer in the country to get a title opportunity and blamed the GBA for sidelining him.

"I am the most credible fighter in the lightweight division and if there is a title chance for Ghana, I think I must be the first to be considered before any other person," he said.

The Congo Soldier said Amidu has been avoiding him ever since their first meeting during which he (Congo) retired when a stomach injury he had carried into the fight deteriorated.

"I was leading on points when my stomach ached severely from an earlier injury and I was advised by my doctor and corner men to discontinue with the fight.

"I have thereafter virtually begged Amidu to fight me but he keeps dodging because of what he went through in the first fight."

Ankrah said under the circumstances of the first fight, the GBA should have ordered a mandatory defence of the title by Amidu against him in order to get a worthy boxer to sit on the national throne, but they failed to do so.

He said, he was happy when Raymond Narh climbed up in weight to join them in the lightweight class because he felt his presence would provide him with quality opposition.

"But instead of the GBA organising elimination bouts for the top contenders, they hand picked Narh and Amidu to fight for the WBC title, leaving me out of contention because I do not have a Godfather," Congo Soldier said.

Ankrah, whose record of 13 - 10 - 3 and four knockouts includes a win over Kpakpo Allotey, who is billed to have a go at the Commonwealth Super featherweight title next month.

Commenting on the chance for Kpakpo Allotey to become a Commonwealth champion, Congo Soldier said he was very happy for him and wished him well.

He said though he would have liked to fight and beat Kpakpo again, it would be unfair to challenge him because of the difference in weight because he has moved up to the lightweight class while Kpakpo is still a super featherweight, adding that Kpakpo should take a cue from his loss to him (Congo) and brace up for a tough fight in the U.K.