Ghana President Nana Akufo-Addo met with newly-crowned interim WBO World junior featherweight champion Isaac Dogboe on Tuesday.
Dogboe attained the title with a head-turning, fifth-round TKO of Mexico’s Cesar Juarez last Saturday at Bukom Boxing Arena. The victory lifted the sports of the Ghana boxing world, a fact not lost on the sports ministry and, in turn, the nation’s leader.
During their sit down, the President told the 23-year-old boxer to remember that, “In everything you do, know that you have the prayers and the support of the Ghanaian people, from top to bottom, standing strong behind you.”
The support and prayers of the nation are meaningful, but up and coming Ghanaian boxers—and those who work in the sport—need something a bit more tangible in terms of support. According to Akufo-Addo, he’s prepared to provide that support:
“I have had a lot of discussions with my Sports Minister on what can be done to assist boxing and other important sports, which are often referred to as ‘lesser sports,” the President said. “ery soon, you will see the results of those discussions.”
An elated Dogboe (18-0, 12 KO’s), still riding the high of his victory, expressed gratitude to the President Akufo-Addo.
It is always an inspiration to be with a great person such as yourself. We will always do our best to raise the flag of Ghana, and to also inspire the next generation, because it is the same way I also took inspiration from the people that were ahead of us – the likes of Azumah Nelson, Ike Quartey and most of the other real boxers that Ghana has nurtured.”
“The only way we can move forward is through prayers,” he continued. “And to continue encouraging the Ghana Boxing Association to also keep up the good work, in terms of the needed support for the boxers and promoters. Ghana boxing is back, and we just have to keep the fire burning until the next person comes along and takes it to the next level.”
