Boxing News of Tuesday, 17 April 2012

Source: Prince Dornu-Leiku

New Commonwealth champ Ashie ready for the world

Despite claiming the Commonwealth Lightweight title only last Saturday, George Ashie is adamant he is not resting on his oars yet.

Ashie, famously nicknamed Red Tiger beat compatriot Bilal Mohammed to win the hitherto vacant Commonwealth Lightweight courtesy a round 3 TKO to achieve a lifelong dream. But the 26 year old has indicated a readiness to take on the best lightweights in world boxing.

“I am ready for anyone anywhere in the world. Winning the Commonwealth title definitely is a dream come true but the big dream is to be a world champion. I appeal to all Ghanaians for their support and prayers to enable me capture the world title this year,” Ashie, now 23-3-1, 16 KOs, told newsmen at ringside at the Accra Sports Stadium.

So serious is on realizing his world championship dreams, he is already heading back into the gym to resume training as he waits for the big opportunity his managers believe could come as early as within the next six months.

“My matchmaker Solomon Otoo Lartey is working very hard to get me to fight for the WBC Lightweight title against the champion Antonio DeMarco of Mexico in the United States of America in July. I am also poised to fight Kelvin Mitchel, World Boxing Organization Light Weight title holder if he is ready,” Ashie told the Ghana based website www.sportsinghana.com.

The boxer is also extending gratitude to his mangers Classic Vision Sports Management and Promotions who promoted last Saturday’s fight for their continued support. Ashie, also a former UBC Junior Lightweight champion, pledges to deliver them the world title to show his appreciation.

He told sportsinghana.com: “I will forever remain grateful to my managers Alhaji Mashood Zaid, Ahmed Apedo and Dauda Fuseini for everything they are doing for me. I appreciate it and promise to work hard to become world champion for them.”