Former IBF lightweight world champion Richard Commey has had his share of issues with the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA). Now he plans to reform it.
Commey, who has faced suspensions and bans from the body which governs boxing in Ghana, is calling for retired boxers to be take positions of authority at the GBA. The GBA, led by president Abraham Kotei Neequaye, has come under fire in recent years for the underdevelopment of Ghanaian boxers, and unethical practices that has turned them from commission to promoter while driving out competitors from the market.
Neequaye in particular has drawn the ire of stakeholders within the country and fans everywhere for what appears to be a self-serving plan that does little to aid the sport in Ghana.
It’s no wonder Commey is calling for retired pros to now pick up the mantle. The 36-year-old boxer made a recent post on his facebook profile, demanding change and also stating that he himself would consider a run in the near future.
“The situation with the Ghana Football Association is similar to what’s happening with the GBA. It is time for a retired elite boxer to take charge and give boxers the
recognition they deserve.
“I am coming back in a few years to run for President.”
Commey, 30-5-1 (27 KOs), has not fought since March 2023, when he was stopped in 11 rounds by Jose Ramirez. According to manager Michael Amoo-Bediako of Streetwise Management, Commey’s promoter has indicated that the boxer is medically unfit to continue his boxing career. See story here: https://boxingafrica.com/2024/01/michael-amoo-bediako-richard-commey-medically-unfit-to-fight/
