Boxing News of Saturday, 25 April 2020

Source: GNA

Samuel Takyi's fears ahead of the 2020 Olympic Games

Samuel Takyi carried shoulder high by Coach Ofori-Asare Samuel Takyi carried shoulder high by Coach Ofori-Asare

Samuel Takyi - one of Ghana's candidate for the 2020 Olympic Games is harboring fears of battling with his weight following the postponement of the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.

Takyi qualified at the Africa Olympic Qualifier in Dakar, Senegal early this year as a featherweight boxer but with the postponement of the Games in Tokyo due to the coronavirus pandemic, the young boxer is afraid he might not make the exact weight next year.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) together with the Local Organising Committee (LOC), called off the Games due to the coronavirus pandemic that has hit the world.

Takyi said in an interview with the GNA Sports that, after explanations from his coaches on the need to postpone the Games, he came to the realization that life was more important but added that, he may struggle to make weight in 2021.

The featherweight boxer said, he was worried about his weight but was encouraged to train daily and keep on checking on the scale regularly to ensure he was within weight each day.

Takyi, 19, said he cannot afford to miss the Games due to challenges with his weight hence had been regular at the gym to ensure he was in the best of shapes and within his weight whilst he awaits 2021

"It's a difficult thing to do especially when you have to make sure you are within weight but that is my profession I have to remain disciplined and ready for battle all the time," he stated.

Takyi, also known as the "The Ring Warrior" said boxing is my talent and now my profession and I do it with passion.

“Qualifying into the national team was a surprise, but with hard work and determination I made it to the Olympics and I will not let anything to distract me," he added.

Takyi has over amateur fights to his credit and remains one of Ghana's medal hopeful for the Games.