Kumasi, Feb 22, GNA - Eric Odumase, a Ghanaian boxer based in the United Kingdom (UK) has intimated that becoming a world champion is his cherished ambition.

Speaking to the GNA Sports in Kumasi on Saturday about his plans, he said he would like to follow the footsteps of the legendary Professor Azumah Nelson who is his mentor before he ends his career. Odumase, who is ranked the second contender to the Commonwealth Super-Featherweight title, said he had fought 20 bouts, with 16 knockouts, lost three and drew one.

He intimated that his promoters, Sports Network of UK, a sports consulting firm, were in the process of getting him a fight before the end of the year to enable him have a shot at the title currently held by a Briton.

To this end, Odumase, who is 27 years old said he was leaving no stone unturned to ensure that he was well prepared and in trim form for a fight with the Briton.

While commending Azumah Nelson for his regular support and invaluable advice for him which he said had gone a long way in helping him to improve his performance tremendously, the boxer called on corporate bodies and stakeholders in the fistic profession to support the sport to ensure that professional boxers were groomed for the nation.

"Amateur boxing would have to be taken seriously in the country if the nation is to raise more champions", he observed.

Odumase was also not happy at the way Ghanaian boxers were cheated when they fought abroad, adding that, situations where one was deprived of victory because he failed to knockout his opponent should stop if there was transparency and fairness in boxing arena.