ALMOST 24 hours to the 10-round non-title contest between the former Super Featherweight Champion, Azumah Nelson of Ghana and Australian Jeff Fenech, the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) has condemned the bout.
Speaking to the press in Accra over weekend, GBA boss Moses, Foh-Amoaning said his outfit was only told that Azumah would be in Australia for an exhibition bout of some three or four rounds.
“I was not aware that it was a long distance contest that will travel more than that otherwise the Professor should have renewed his licence to seek proper medical attention before anything,” he stressed.
According to Mr Foh-Amoaning, as far as the GBA was concerned, the Azumah-Fenech bout was an exhibition fight whose standard was not the same as a competitive fight.
“We were surprised and worried when we heard that Azumah went to sign a contract in Australia earlier on and traveled back to Melbourne for the fight which is not the normal procedure.”
He said since Azumah had signed a contract, it was only appropriate for him to renew his licence with the GBA because he was going for a full-fledged contest.
“He abandoned boxing about 10 years ago, therefore anything can happen. He needed to pass through the GBA medical regime to be sure that he was fit in Ghana before the forthcoming bout.”
The GBA boss cited the comeback of Ike Quartey, former World Boxing Association (WBA) Welterweight Champion, who got the approval of the GBA before going to America to fight.
“Reports from Australia indicated that Fenech had lost over 40 pounds within six weeks which is very dangerous for a boxer who is 44 years old,” he fumed.
He stated categorically that the GBA would not support the 10-round contest between Azumah and Fenech which comes off tomorrow in Australia.
By Pierre Toto
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