Purse dispute threatens Powers-Banku clash

Samuel K. Obour Boxing Aug - 14 - 2013 , 02:44

Bokum Banku The much-hyped mega fight between local boys Braimah ‘Bukom Banku’ Kamoko and Ayittey Powers is in virtual jeopardy as the two camps haggle over a proposed winner-takes-all purse.

GoldenMike Promotions which manages Bukom Banku through its management outfit, GoldenConcept, has proposed GH¢10,000 for the winner should the fight happen. But a counter proposal by the camp of Powers has stalled the process.

Michael Tetteh, chief executive of GoldenMike Promotions, told the Daily Graphic that much as Bukum Banku’s camp welcomed the fight “to settle the debate” over who is the better boxer the matter has come down to the issue of purse.

Powers, who spoke to the Graphic from his base in Australia, said the winner-takes-all proposal was a non-starter. His manager, Terry Bevlin, has made a counter proposal, demanding $15,000 for Powers plus airfares for three — Powers, his trainer and manager — from Australia where Powers is currently based

“My manager has told GoldenMike Promotions that he has never been involved in such a deal before all through his 30 years in boxing,” Powers said.

“I declined an opportunity to sign for a title fight in Australia scheduled for the end of August, just because I didn’t want to disappoint Ghanaians who want to see me fight Banku.

“In fact, Banku is a weakling, and I am going to prove that. That is why I had to forgo that opportunity in order to make myself available for the Banku fight.”

With the two parties unwilling to shift their positions, the fight appears to hang in the balance.