Professor Barima Zoom Zoom, the Terrible Terror, Azumah Nelson, a former World Two Division Champion and the only African inducted into the Boxing Hall of Fame, has advised 40 freshly qualified Boxing referees/Judges about biased officiating.
The former champion, who dominated the WBC featherweight and super featherweight divisions for 10 years, advised the ring officials in their early stages that the only way to succeed in their chosen profession is to make decisions fairly.
When he helped the Ghana Boxing Authority present certificates to the newly trained prospective ring officials at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra, Professor Azumah Nelson issued the warning.
The boxing instructor had attended the ongoing DeLuxy Professional Boxing League’s penultimate Fight Night 19 at the Bukom Boxing Arena.
The Ghana Boxing Authority, GBA, arranged a twoday basic training course in boxing officiating for the 40 aspiring ring officials as part of an endeavor to develop and advance the sport locally.
Abraham Kotei Neequaye, President of the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA), congratulated the new trainees, who included law and university students, former boxers, media, and security service personnel, and urged them to take the position seriously in order to support efforts to improve Ghana Boxing’s reputation and fortunes at all levels.
He praised the instructors for the course, which included the seasoned J. A. Annan, the three-star-rated boxing coach Ofori Asare, an international referee/judge, and Roger Barnor, the second vice president of the GBA.
The prospective ring officials must complete self-study on the laws governing boxing and boxing officiating before taking a competitive examination in February 2023.
First Vice President Rabon Dodoo, Treasurer Lord Acquaye, and Executive Board member John Marfo were additional GBA executive members who helped with the certificate presentation.
A law student and one of the prospective ring officials presented the valedictorian and thanked the GBA for the chance.
Imax Media Promotions provided funding for the fundamental training program.
By Peter Quao Adattor
