The Ghana Kickboxing Federation (GKF) with the support of the World Kickboxing Federation (WKF) in Ghana have reiterated the desire and determination to instill the love of the sport into Ghanaians, increase its popularity and also identify and nurture talents for international competitions.

The GKF are also calling on companies, individual philanthropist and Kickboxing enthusiasts for sponsorship and support for the upkeep of their fighters as they remain in camp ahead of upcoming international competitions after successfully staging the first national title fight last Saturday at the Vienna City Entertainment Centre in Accra.

In the event, Isaac Doku scored a split points decision win over Steavano Tuekpe to claim the first ever national Light Middleweight title as the two kickboxers lighted up the night with lots of energy and tremendous fight styles.

In the curtain raisers, WKF-ranked Gerald Dah was too strong for Okpodjah Tetteh as he secured a unanimous decision in their Super Welterweight clash whilst Raphael Boadzo won via a split points decision against Issaka Issah in a Light Welterweight contest. WKF champion Stephen Abbey took on big Prince Okine in an exhibition bout which ended in a draw.

Lawrence Nyanyo Nmai who is national team captain and WKF President in Ghana expressed satisfaction with the event, saying it was a good beginning.

“Kickboxing has massive potential and is also very exciting, tonight was an exciting night. Now we want to make it a regular event to whip up support and also keep our athletes active and ready,” Mr. Nmai told All Sports.

Consul Ghana Limited, operators of Vienna City Entertainment Centres in Accra, Kumasi and Takoradi, sponsored the event with support of Red Bull energy drink as well as the Austrian Consul in Ghana, Mrs. Ingeborg Smith, a patron of the Ghana Kickboxing Association.

Ben Okai, Managing Director of Consul Ghana, praised the GKF for the exciting night and pledged Vienna City’s continued support.

“Our doors are always open and we hope next time you will come back with lots of spectators. We have the restaurant, beer garden with a pizzeria, pool bar and the casino and we assure you of massive enjoyment and entertainment always,” Mr. Okai said in his closing remarks.