Rising fight syndicate, PKO Boxing, and its sister outfit, PKO Foundation, last Friday, January 9, at Abelemkpe in Accra, held a maiden fun tournament featuring several games, during which it took the opportunity to surprise former 2-division world champion, 'Marvellous' Nana Yaw Konadu with a presentation that left the boxing legend in tears.
The one-day event witnessed games such as football, ludo, Uno cards, Jenga blocks, among others, not just for the fun, but also to impact lives.
In a first demonstration of a programme that aims to identify and honour Ghana's past ring heroes, the former WBC Super Flyweight and WBA Bantamweight world champ was celebrated, as his ring heroics were recounted, notably his 41 amazing victories during a remarkable career that featured 47 fights.
According to the organisers, the legend has a medical condition affecting the eye that has led to blindness in one eye. Despite being a staff member at the Bono Regional National Sports Authority, Konadu, who also made some good purses during his active career, has generally found things difficult and could barely fend for himself.
PKO Foundation, therefore, pledged to take full responsibility for Konadu's surgery and also place him on a monthly stipend. A citation was also handed to him just to remind him of how valuable he is to Team PKO before receiving a well-stocked hamper to carry home.
"I am very grateful for this gesture shown by the PKO Foundation. I appreciate it very much. I thank and pray that God bless them to make more world champions for Ghana," Konadu said as he broke down in tears.
Meanwhile, Team Wendy Shay won the football tournament against Team Media and received a trophy, gold medals and a cash prize of GH¢1,500, of which GH¢500 is to be given to their chosen charity, while runners-up Team Media received silver medals.
Dignitaries present included Dr Eric A. Tetteh - Anti-doping and Sports Medicine expert, Patrick Johnson - General Secretary, GDFA and Ghana Boxing IMC, as well as Mr Christopher Ekpo - President, Ghana Deaf Football Association.
For PKO Boxing, which saw three of its boxers, Prince Kamaldeen Mohammed, Benedict Badoo and Ebenezer Kolebe, all secure victories in their last outing on New Year's Day's "Best Of Bukom" show at the Bukom Boxing Arena, next on the agenda is its own fight night in February.
PKO Foundation, on the other hand, has decided to look for all forgotten legends in boxing who once put Ghana on the global stage, clean and honour them.
"On Friday, we had fun bonding activities, which are important in fostering stronger relationships amongst team members. We were also excited to reward our legend, Nana Konadu.
This is just the beginning," said Edward Osei, CEO of PKO Boxing and PKO Foundation.