Rafael Mensah intensifies training for world title shot
Undefeated super-featherweight boxer Rafael Mensah has intensified training ahead of an anticipated world title clash with Panamanian Jezzrel Corrales Gonzalez in the United States in November.
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The Panamanian, who currently holds World Boxing Association (WBA) super featherweight title, has fought 23 times and lost only once.
Rafael, who is unbeaten in 30 bouts, was spotted by the Graphic Sports last Wednesday hitting mitts, punching bags and skipping ropes at the D.G. Hathiramani Sports Hall of the Accra Sports Stadium.
His coach, Kwasi Ofori Asare, took him thorough various drills, including body swerves and hitting hand-pads.
The 25-year-old Mensah last fought in June last year when he defeated compatriot Edward Kambasi at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra.
He has been further boosted by a sponsorship package from property developer, JL Properties, owned by Dr James Ato Lindsay, who has promised the boxer a three-bedroom house should he come victorious against hard-hitting Corrrales.
Mr Lindsay, who has followed the exploits of Mensah over the years, is confident the country needs a world champion and hence his decision to assist the boxer fulfil his dreams.
Mensah, ranked third by the WBA, told the Graphic Sports that he remained focus on his preparation while his manager, Anthony Kermah and the GBA Secretary General, Patrick Johnson, negotiated with the World Boxing Association to finalise the title fight.
“I am very well prepared for Corrales. I will knock him out. I am ever ready for him,” he stated.
