Kumasi, June 12, GNA - A stakeholder meeting aimed at finding lasting solution to the decline in the development of boxing in the Ashanti Region has been held in Kumasi.

The meeting was convened by the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) and was necessitated mainly by the recent outcry by some boxing fans that the sport was not being given the needed attention like other sporting disciplines in the Region.

The fans among others, cited that almost all the ten boxing Clubs in the Region had ceased to function whilst the only two boxing rings used in competitions were also nowhere to be found.

Mr. Mensah Amepofie, the Regional Chairman of the GBA therefore challenged boxing enthusiasts in the Region to step up efforts by collaborating with the Authority to revive the 'dying' sport by committing resources towards its revival and development. The Chairman who shared with the sentiments of the concerned boxing fans, also attributed the low patronage of boxing in the Region to lack of attractive sponsorship packages, misconception about the sport by some residents and lack of qualified boxing managers, officials and equipment.

Mr Amepofie said with the state of the two boxing rings, the Regional Executive of the GBA was conferring with the past administration to help locate and retrieve the rings whose whereabouts still remains a mystery. He said the Executive Committee of the Association was also holding discussions with the Ministry of Education, Science and Sports and other corporate bodies to seek for funds towards the organization of competitive events and training programmes for boxers, referees and coaches in the Region to update their skills and knowledge of the sport.