Boxing News of Sunday, 15 June 2003

Source: gna

Ike Quartey to the aid of Sam Akromah

Ike Quartey, former World Boxing Association (WBA) welterweight champion on Friday announced a donation of five million cedis to Sam 'the Hawk' Akromah former national featherweight champion. The donation is to enable him secure an artificial limb.

Quartey announced this during a boxing event organised by Jumus Boxing Promotion Syndicate when the boxer, through the ring announcer, launched an appeal for funds at the Accra Sports Stadium.

The former boxer was carried into the ring by his personal assistant, as he could not walk following the amputation of his right leg.

Moved by the plight of the former boxer, some of the fans made cash donations to him instantly.

It was after the donations from the fans and sympathisers at the ring side, that the former World Champion mounted the stage and made his announcement saying " Akromah should use the money for other things while I take care of the leg".

Officials of the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) also announced a 250 pounds sterling donation for the boxer, which according to them is from the Commonwealth Boxing Council (CBC).

According to the GBA officials, the donation was made after they made a case for the boxer at their last meeting held in London.

In addition, the GBA on its part added 100 pounds sterling to aid Akromah in his medical treatment.

Akromah's leg was amputated after he was involved an accident on the Accra - Cape Coast road some few years ago. Before the accident he was operating a boxing academy in the Central Regional capital.

The boxer therefore needed an amount of five million cedis to purchase an artificial leg to aid him to walk.