40 participants including one female have begun a 2-day Referee /Judges Orientation course organized by the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) at The Gym in Accra.
The event, which started on Thursday December, has experienced resource persons including 5-star referee/judge, Roger Barnor, Dr Ofori Asare, veteran ring official J. A. Annan and the GBA President Abraham Neequaye.
Also present were Deputy Director of Promotions of the GBA, michael Tetteh, Deputy Technical Director, Percy Commey, GBA Board Member Carl Lokko, Mubarak Nanor aka America, a matchmaker and Coach Akai Nettey of Attoh Quarshie Gym were all present. Former President of the Ghana Boxing Federation, George Lamptey was also part of the course.
The participants were taken through the theories and rudiments of Professional Boxing, before the actual practicals work begun. Boxers, Holy Dorgbetor, Samuel Quaye and Cann Neequaye were on hand to support the training.
J.A. Annan advised the upcoming referees/judges to always prepare well before any engagement because being a ring official especially in the middle of the ring to control the actions of a bout is not easy.
READ ALSO: Sena Agbeko is a strong contender for SWAG Professional Boxer of the Year in 2022.
He expressed that the crowd alone can be intimidating and the official must always be fit, prepared, focused and have full concentration.
He said a referee must be neutral and consistent, have integrity and avoid arguments with the public.
World-class Referee, Roger Barnor said a referee must have command in the ring and know three basic things – Stop, Break and Box, which he orders the boxers.
He noted the types of boxers as the Classic, Puncher and Combination Boxer.
According to him, the boxing scores come from Power punch, Effectiveness, and Aggressiveness which make 75% and Ring Generalship which is 25%.
He advised them to have a third eye which is his ears, stressing that the life of the boxer is paramount.
The Ghana Boxing Authority, President Abraham Kotei Neequaye expressed his gladness with the attendance but warned that those who are not smart may be sent out as the GBA expected 20 participants who are going to be taken through the real seminar. He urged them to learn hard by reading the rules and regulations that were provided to every participant.
He also urged them to be confident and very vigilant in the ring.
The course continues and ends on Friday, December 2.
