As the May 31st Congress for the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) election approaches, Anthony Kermah has some advice for those soon to be in power.
Kermah, CEO of Landmark Promotions, believes it’s time for the sport’s power brokers to pivot and return to that which initially brought prominence to Ghana boxing.
“Judging from the good history of boxing in the country and the current state of the sport, a massive revolution of grass-roots engagement is the only way to salvage the dying discipline,” Kermah told Ghana’s Graphic media outlet.
“The leadership must acquire the business acumen of creating boxing marketers who could move to the doorstep of corporate institutions in the country and sell the sport to such business entities instead of waiting and hoping something happens,” he noted.
While this is an excellent idea in theory, some critics argue that Ghanaian corporations are far too beholden to other disciplines such as football (soccer) to entertain the idea of funding boxing promotions.
Nevertheless, Kermah’s point is well-taken.
“Stakeholders must go out and look for sponsorship, and not rely on promoters and managers who dole out of their ‘short pockets’ to organize bouts which yield only little effects,” he added.
Kermah also wants the suits to consider the creation of a national boxing league. This would help cultivate amateur standouts and familiarize the public with these young fighters so they can watch them grow.
It’s an idea that has had major success in the United States. In 1992, a young Oscar De La Hoya endeared himself to the country with a gold medal performance in the Olympics. Viewers learned of his mother’s untimely from breast cancer in 1990 and how her goal was for him to capture Olympic gold.
That familiarity earned De La Hoya major endorsement and television deals upon turning pro. It’s an attainable goal that will require a well-thought out plan and all hands on deck. In a few days, we’ll find out who will be able to implement these ideas.
