Bastie Samir’s coach wants Ref Ghartey sanctioned
Ofori Asare, coach of Bastie Samir, has called on the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) to sanction referee Fred Ghartey for taking sides with Brimah Kamoko during last October 21 ‘Make or Break’ fight at the Bukom Boxing Arena.
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According to Coach Asare, referee Ghartey's abysmal performance in such a high-profile bout should not go unpunished and wants the GBA to call him to order to protect the interest of the sport.
Referee Ghartey has been heavily criticised for his show on the night, having failed to stop the fight when it was clear that Bastie was at the verge of earning a deserved knockout but opted to allow Bukom Banku be treated by the doctor even when the round was still in session.
In an interview with the Graphic Sports, coach Asare noted that he realised Referee Ghartey had taken sides right from the time he entered the ring with his demeanour.
“I don’t need to tell the GBA to sanction him because the members of the GBA were there and know what to do in such situations.
He must be sanctioned for such a poor performance in such a bout.
“It was very clear that he took sides with the opposite camp, because I couldn’t understand some of the decisions he took on the night and must be punished to protect the interest of the sport,” Coach Asare emphasised.
Talking about the controversy that rocked the bout ahead of its commencement, the amateur boxing coach who seems to be making a fine transition in pro boxing, lamented the GBA’s inability to stick their foot down for justice when Bukom Banku’s camp protested over Samir's gloves even when it was the appropriate one.
He said he was surprised to see the GBA respond to the protest by changing Bastie’s gloves and replacing it with the same size. Such decisions, he noted, favours a particular boxer and should not be encourage if the sanctity of the sport was to be protected.
“We had the required gloves size but our opponents protested and the GBA adhered to their concerns even when they knew what Bastie was wearing was appropriate.
“I believe these things shouldn’t happen if the GBA wants the sanctity of the sport to be protected,” coach Asare lamented.