Boxing News of Thursday, 24 July 2008

Source: GNA

Gateway Broadcasting Services strikes deal with GBA

Accra, July 24, GNA - Gateway Broadcasting Services (GBS) - a pan African pay-satellite television station has signed a partnership agreement with the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) for the exclusive right of the live broadcast of a boxing championship fixed for August 2, at the Lebanon House in Accra.

The championship dubbed "the Boxing Bonanza" is in partnership with the Commonwealth Sports Awards (CSA) and Sikaprix International. Announcing the deal at a press conference in Accra on Tuesday, Moses Foh-Amoaning Chairman of the GBA said he was delighted at the attempt by GBS to support their efforts in popularizing boxing in the country.

Foh-Amoaning said the deal will enhance the international competitiveness and popularity of African boxers adding that "we are looking forward to what we know will be hugely exciting for us and boxing fans across the world".

Michael Yamson, General Manager of GBS-Ghana described the deal as a long term agreement and that it forms part of their efforts to re-brand boxing in Ghana.

He said GBS is also seeking innovative ways to give their customers more avenues at affordable prices, hence the decision to partner GBA in promoting the event.

Top on the championship bill will be Ghana's Galley Cudjoe and Daniel Kodjo Sassou, France-based Togolese boxer for the vacant International Boxing Federation (IBF) Super Bantamweight bout. Also on the bill is the final eliminator for the Commonwealth Super Lightweight Championship in a local derby between Lartei Lartey and Isaac Quartey, with Albert Mensah of Ghana battling for the Africa Boxing Union (ABU) Super Lightweight title against Dragon Kibanga of Uganda, whilst Mohammed Akron of Ghana taking on Hassan Matumla of Tanzania in an ABU Middleweight title fight. Three other unnamed under-cards have been scheduled for the night.

GBS a subsidiary of Gateway Communications has branches in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Botswana, Rwanda, Mauritius, Malawi, Gambia, Ethiopia, Liberia, Lesotho Swaziland, Sierra Leone and Namibia.