The use of the Accra International Conference Centre as venue for last January 29’s boxing extravaganza dubbed ‘Night of no return’ couldn’t have been any more apt than the success of the occasion and the competition which unfolded. World title hopeful Braimah Kamoko better known as Bukom Banku defeated Uruguay’s Jorge Olivera Rodriguez in the main event of the night to win the Interim WBO Africa Light-heavyweight belt.

Present to also add government support to the event was the Vice President of the land himself, much to the delight of Mike Tetteh, CEO of the Golden Mike Boxing Promotions. “We are very grateful to the Vice President, His Excellency John Mahama for showing up. His coming to grace the occasion really lit up the night and changed the atmosphere, it added a national colour and we pray that it continues,” Mr. Tetteh has exclusively told * SportsInGhana.com.*

Add IBF Bantamweight champ Joseph King Kong Agbeko, erstwhile world champ Joshua Clottey to the legendary Azumah Nelson and a host of dignitaries including Deputy Sports Minister Nii Nortey Dua as well as Accra Mayor Adziri Blankson among others and you had a galaxy of stars colouring the plush Conference Centre to its glittering best.

The GoldenMike Boxing Promotions boss admits the decision to use the particular venue has been vindicated, adding the desire to make it a permanent setting. He reveals that they are almost assured of a long-term deal with the Accra International Conference Centre authorities to have a boxing promotion at the location at least every four months. He has also confirmed that they are working on bringing down a world title fight to the Conference Centre before close of the year 2011.

But above anything else, the competition put up by the various fighters in all the bouts on the card of ‘Night of no return’ is what excites Mr. Tetteh the most. He says the determination and desire to win put up by the boxers ensured there was no dull moment on show throughout. He even has a surprise nomination for the fight of the night, and it is not one that even the most astute of connoisseurs could have placed a bet on.

“It was a very exciting night full of action and everybody had their money worth for the time they made to come watch this promotion. The fights were very competitive and for instance the best fight was that between Ayitey Powers and Michael Gbenga, most of the local fans expected an easy match for their man Ayitey Powers but Gbenga also put up a fight and won.

“Another shock was the victory by the Namibian Martin Haikali who beat his Ghanaian challenger but it was good for the night. It showed that this was truly an even field and that if you are good, you can win. It was a very good night of good boxing and I believe a legend like Azumah who was here will be very proud,” Golden Mike Boxing Promotions capo Tetteh concluded.

*Credit: Prince Dornu-Leiku *