Tagoe must redeem image with local fights- Tofik
An executive member of the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA), Alhaji Muritella Tofik, says world title hopeful Emmanuel Tagoe must redeem his image with two local fights to stand the chance of getting close to a world title again.
Tagoe, 33, recently fought in the United States and lost a lopsided bout to American Ryan Garcia, which made many boxing connoisseurs believe the Ghanaian’s performance on the night was appalling.
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Others have argued that his behaviour on the night effectively ended his world title chances as the lightweight division is tight, with many world title prospects and has little room for failures and sloppy performances.
The former International Boxing Organisation (IBO) lightweight champion contended that he had injuries in his right hand and ankle before the bout, hence his inability to brawl properly.
Reacting to the fight, Alhaji Tofik told the Graphic Sports exclusively that Tagoe (popularly referred to as Gameboy in boxing circles) must restore his reputation with some local bouts.
“I believe Tagoe is a great boxer and he can still be in contention for a world title despite this decisive victory against him but he must fight some boxers on the continent or locally to restore his pride,” he told the Graphic Sports.
Alhaji Tofik who is also a boxing promoter and CEO of Ambition Boxing Promotions said he believed the Ghanaian, who now has a record of 34 fights including two losses and 32 wins as a professional, “is still a credible fighter.”
“I think the hand injury may have worried him on the night. Tagoe is a good boxer and on any good day I can vouch for him. I believe he can come back stronger,” he stated.
Alhaji Tofik said he wanted Tagoe to train harder and go back to the drawing board, learn from his mistakes and get back into the ring as soon as possible.
“He should go back to the drawing table. He must watch the fight clip very well and see where he was wrong. He must get busy and engage in some local fights to prove to Ghanaians that he was truly injured on the night,” he noted.
