Boxing News of Friday, 5 January 2007

Source: Ghanaian Chronicle

Ray Quarcoo Admonishes Quartey, Clottey

The former acting chairman of Ghana Amateur Boxing Authority (GABA), E. Ray Quarcoo has admonished boxers, Ike Quartey and Joshua Clottey as they hanker to win World titles.

The advice comes in the wake of the two boxers futile attempts to capture laurels for the nation in the US last December which has generated questions among boxing lovers whether the nation will be able to produce another world champion.

In a statement, the former GABA chairman and the SWAG patron indicated that "Having handled both boxers in their amateur days, and a keen follower of their careers, I am compelled to pass a few comments to act as an encouragement to them in their quest to to do the nation honour."

The statement added "I did not watch the fights first hand though, but have read different accounts on both fights, and knowing both boxers personally, I believe in their abilities and prowess in the ring."

"I can vouch for them because I know very well that they went through the mill of amateur boxing- the factory that produces good professional boxers," the statement said.

It added that boxing, like any other human activity has its principles which must be adhered to in order to make progress. "Ike faltered in his last two fights because he might have failed to consider the dynamics of the sport and not that he lacked what it takes to win."

The statement advised that Ike's handlers need to sit up to do proper planning and evaluation before they commit him to a fight.

The former GABA chairman is sure Clottey, who is blessed with much skill in the sport will, for sure, become the next World champion.