Boxing News of Friday, 26 March 2010

Source: Daily Guide

GBA Shuns Clottey

Rumours THAT there is a no-love-lost relationship between Joshua Clottey and the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) was confirmed on Thursday morning when the boxing governing body failed to make an appearance at the airport during the boxer’s return to the country.

After a long absence, Clottey was returning to the country from the USA where he lost his title bout against Filipino legend Manny ‘Pacman’ Pacquiao.

Leading personalities in the sporting circles and a delegation from the government were at the Kotoka International Airport to give Clottey a hero’s welcome.

But surprisingly, the GBA, which is in charge of the administration of boxing in the country, was missing in action as no member of the august body graced the occasion.

Speaking on radio, the Communications Director of GBA, Mohammed Amin Lamptey said his outfit’s no show at the airport was because Joshua Clottey did not invite them. “I read about Joshua Clottey’s return to the country in the media yesterday,” he disclosed, explaining, that is why the GBA decided to stay on the sidelines during the boxer’s return to the country.

Describing the development as disheartening, Amin Lamptey noted that the GBA even organized a press conference for Joshua prior to the bout and was utterly shocked about the way things had turned out. Commenting on the delicate issue in an interview on GTV, Clottey said he was disappointed that the GBA members were not present at the airport to welcome him.

However, he was quick to stress that there is no strained relationship between him and the GBA, indicating, he wants to live his life in peace with everybody including the GBA.