Boxing News of Thursday, 5 October 2000

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Ghana’s Hammond to fight British champion

ACCRA, October 5 – National and West African Lightweight Champion, Laatekwei “The Shocker” Hammond is billed to fight Bobby Vanzie, lightweight champion of Great Britain in Lverpool city 9 October. The fight arranged through the efforts of the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) is being promoted by Tommy Oilmour, a Scotsman whose admiration for Ghanaian professional pugilism is fast growing.

Oilmour, who initially wanted James Armah also known as “Bukom Fire” recently crowned commonwealth superfeatherweight champion, had to settle for the “The Shocker” since Armah turned down the offer on the grounds that he had not adequately prepared for it.

As a result, Hammond got the green light for the bout as a last minute replacement. The fight, which has been sanctioned by the GBA and the Commonwealth Boxing Council, will be televised on the U.K.’s TV live.

Tommy Oilmour, speaking of the impending fight was full of exhortation for “The Shocker” when he said he has every confidence in Hammond and he believes he will give a very good account of himself and probably “shock” Bobby Vanzie…”

Bobby Vanzie on the other hand, is a remarkable fighter with an impressive fight record of 19 wins, a draw and 10 knockouts. He is yet to suffer a defeat, which is going to make this duel promisingly exciting one.

Meanwhile, the “Shocker” and his coach, E.A. Neequaye and Alhaji Totik, his Manager, left the country October 4 via Ghana Airways to London in a bid to “Shock” the Briton