The world title aspirations of three distinguished boxing gyms in Bukom—Ghana’s renowned boxing hub—have received a major lift following a generous donation of essential training equipment by UK-based Ghanaian promoter and manager,

Michael Amoo-Bediako, through his Streetwise Foundation.

The Attoh Quarshie Gym, Bronx Boxing Club and Bukom Boxing Gym were the lucky recipients of a wide range of boxing gear, including gloves, pads, mouthguards, boots, shirts, shorts, wristguards and even electronic training devices.

These gyms have been instrumental in producing some of Ghana’s finest boxing champions. Attoh Quarshie Gym groomed former IBF welterweight champion Joshua Clottey, while Bukom Boxing Gym nurtured the legendary Ike 'Bazooka' Quartey.

The Bronx Boxing Club also played a pivotal role in shaping Richard Oblitey Commey, who captured the IBF lightweight title in 2019.

Mr Amoo-Bediako, who managed Commey during his world title reign and now oversees the career of Tokyo 2020 Olympic bronze medallist Samuel Takyi, stressed that Ghana’s immense boxing potential could only be fully realised with the right support and investment in local gyms and coaches.

“Just seeing the boxers and gyms happy, seeing them appreciate what we’re giving them—it’s very fulfilling. At the end of the day, we all want Ghana boxing to rise, and anything I can do to help, I’m more than happy to do,” he told the Graphic Sports.

“It takes a lot of hard work and dedication to win a world title. First, we need a strong foundation in Ghana. We need unity and everyone pulling in the same direction. Look at all these talented kids — I have travelled across America and Europe, but I have never seen any single area with as many gifted boxers as Bukom,” he added.

Support for boxing

This is not the first time the Streetwise Foundation has extended support to Ghanaian boxing.

The organisation has previously donated equipment to the James Town Gym and the national amateur teams, with backing from partners and sponsors in the UK.

At a special handover ceremony at the Attoh Quarshie Gym, Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) President, Abraham Kotei Neequaye, received the items alongside former GBA boss and current WBO Africa Supervisor, Samir Captan. The equipment was later presented to Attoh Quarshie Gym’s Head Trainer, Vincent Akai Nettey.

Both officials commended Mr Amoo-Bediako for his generosity, calling on other Ghanaian boxing personalities abroad to emulate his gesture.

“We are deeply grateful to Mr Amoo-Bediako for this support. I hope other Ghanaians in the diaspora who have benefited from boxing will take a cue from this and make similar contributions. Without this kind of assistance, it will be difficult to produce the world champions everyone desires,” Mr Neequaye said.

At the Bukom Boxing Gym, which has nurtured the likes of two-time Commonwealth champion, James 'Bukom Fire' Armah, Braimah Kamoko (alias Bukom Banku), and former WBO Africa welterweight champion Joshua Okine (Bukom Tsatsu), veteran coach Kwatelai Quartey described the donation as unprecedented.