Allotey needs more title defences, stronger sparring partners: Advises boxing promoter
AN executive member of the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA), Alhaji Muritella Tofik has said World Boxing Organisation (WBO) Africa Super Welterweight Champion, Patrick Allotey, must fulfil two important tasks if he is to get a shot at a world title.
Allotey, 31, reclaimed the WBO Africa title after scoring an eighth round technical knockout victory over Tanzanian Hamisi Maya on March 26 at the Idrowhyt Centre at Dansoman, Accra.
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It was his 42nd career win in 46 bouts with four losses.
The Ghanaian did not totally dominate the fight and looked a bit rusty as a result of a long absence from the ring.
This time Allhaji Tofik, said Allotey must get good sparring partners in the gym to defend his title more than twice before seeking a world title shot.
“Allotey must defend this title many times to gain enough experience and stiff competition to make him ready for the world title,” he told the Graphic Sports last Friday.
The celebrated promoter added that it was very important that the boxer got tough and hard-hitting sparring partners at training to toughen him up for the world title.
“Allotey must look for and work with hard-hitting and strong sparring partners, he can even be spar with those above his weight to make him battle ready for the world title,” he said.
The Ghanaian boxer first won the WBO Africa title against compatriot Frank Dodzi at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra four years ago. After twice defending it against Ugandan Badru Lusambya and Sherif Kasongo from the DR Congo in 2018, Allotey relinquished the continental title to fight Mexican Jaime Munguia for the WBO title in the United States in 2019 which he lost via a knockout. Months after the loss, the boxer was slapped with a six-month ban by the GBA in 2020 for assaulting a boxing fan during a Ghana Premier League match between Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko.
The fight with Maya last month was Allotey's fight in 15 months.