Bring back Bazooka — Ex-Prez Rawlings appeals
Former President, Jerry John Rawlings, says he will embark on a personal mission to get former WBA welterweight title holder, Ike "Bazooka" Quartey back into boxing.
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According to President Rawlings although Quartey (37 wins-4 losses-1 draw) may not go back into active professional boxing, he still has a key role to play in terms of inspiring young Ghanaian fighters.
He noted that Quartey's career took a nosedive following his controversial split decision loss to American legend, Oscar De La Hoya in their epic clash on February 13, 1999.
He said Quartey lost his "disciplined mind and spirit" following that controversial split decision and is still yet to recover from that emotionally scarring loss”.
The former President, who has a keen interest in the sport, urged the Ghanaian boxing fraternity to bring the former WBA welterweight title holder back into their fold.
"Oh, Ike Quartey," the former President lamented on Tuesday afternoon when he welcomed WBO featherweight champion, Isaac Dogboe, and executives of the Ghana Boxing Authority to his residence in Accra.
"I remember one of his last fights against that guy, De La Hoya. I think in those last three rounds, Ike could have beaten him”.
"But I think Ike was feeling embarrassed for the champion because the guy was good and a gentleman boxer and you could not help but respect him. I think Ike respected the guy too much and squandered that opportunity”.
He said all interested parties had a responsibility to help Quartey recover his discipline because he was a source of pride for the nation during his heyday.
...Dogboe told to emulate Azumah
Meanwhile, the former President has urged WBO African Featherweight champion, Isaac Dogboe, to strive to emulate the discipline of boxing legend, Azumah Nelson, if he wants to realise his dream of becoming a world champion.
He advised the young boxer not to allow the praise which followed his sixth round knockout victory over Ugandan braggart, Edward Kakembo, on June 18 to get to his head if he wants to be world champion.
President Rawlings also urged the handlers of the prodigious fighter to guard and protect him from going astray.