Ghana boxing team travels to AIBA Championship without coach

The national amateur boxing team, the Black Bombers have travelled to participate in the International Boxing Association (AIBA) World Championship in Baku, Azerbaijan without a coach.

The bombers trainer, Ofori Asare is currently in Accra whilst the team is in Azerbaijan for the global championship scheduled for 22 September to 10 October, 2011.

Information gathered by GNA Sports has it that the trainer, who returned with the team from the All Africa Games in Maputo, Mozambique last week, failed to make the trip because of his late registration for the event.

According to a reliable source, Asare’s name was forwarded to the organizers behind schedule, thus making it difficult for his particulars to be processed to ensure he participates in the 16th edition of the biennial championship.

Light heavyweight boxer, David Bawa who won a bronze medal at the All Africa Games also found himself in a similar situation and could not make the trip.

Three boxers made up of Maxwell Amponsah (Heavyweight), Norris Thompson (Welterweight) and Amoo Bediako (Light Welterweight) left for Azerbaijan earlier in the week to participate in the championship that will attract 685 boxers from 127 countries from across the world.

The trio will join Duke Micah (Flyweight) and Emmanuel Quarshie (Middleweight) who are already in Baku, Azerbaijan, thanks to an AIBA scholarship together with young trainer Vincent Akai Nettey of the Attoh Quarshie Gym.

The trio are beneficiaries of the “Road to Baku Training Programme”, which is made up of an all-inclusive sponsorship package meant for selected boxers and coaches from developing countries to participate up to the duration of the championships.

Akai Nettey, being the only coach with the team, will therefore serve as the trainer of the Bombers at the competition, which also serves as a qualifier for the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Officials of the Ghana Amateur Boxing Federation were not readily available for their comments with the General Secretary reported to have traveled with the team to Azerbaijan.

Despite being a consistent participant at the biennial competition, Ghana has yet to win a medal and to make a mark.

Source: GNA