Accra (Greater Accra Region) 9 Oct 1998 --Three Ghanaian boxing greats, were honoured by the Ghana Boxing Authority as "Ghanaian Boxing Ambassadors" of the year at a reception held in Accra on the night of October 8.
They are Azumah Nelson, former World Boxing Council (WBC) super featherweight champion, Ike Quartey (former WBA welterweight champ) and Nana Yaw Konadu, WBO super bantamweight king, The reception in honour of WBC heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis, was a prelude to 19th Commonwealth Awards night which took place at the State House in Accra.
It also coincided with the "International Day of the Boxer". Other recipients of the awards were, Kofi Jantuah, "Boxer of the Year", Scorpion Bawah, "Up and Coming Boxer of the Year", Wonder Tackie, Ablorh Sowah and S.K. Armah for dedication and valour, "Trainers of the Year" Quartei Laryea and Emmanuel Nii Quaye, "Judge of the Year", Eddie Pappoe, "Promoter of the Year", Metro sports and "Most Dedicated Promoter", Dr Arthur Don of Arthur Don Promotions.
The rest are, "Sportcasters of the Year", Christian Abbew ( Ghanaian Times), Felix Abayateye (Graphic Sports), "Sports Radio Stations of the Year", Radio Gold, Radio Universe, Choice FM and Joy FM, "Most Promising Amateur Boxer of the Year", Raymond Narh ( the only gold medallist at the recent Commonwealth Games)..
Nii Cofie Adjinkwa, Vice-President of the WBC, decorated Lewis with traditional beads around his neck and right wrist.
"Remember to wear this each time you enter the ring, it shall guide you-this is what has led us to this height and it will not fail you", said Nii Adjinkwa to the rasta-haired Lewis.
The WBC Heavyweight champion who was overwhelmed by Nii Adjinkwa's exhortation, could only say in a typical rastafarian language, "respect", "I'm grateful". GRi