Veteran boxing trainer Lawrence Carl Lokko, has expressed strong dissatisfaction with the media’s coverage and promotion of boxing in Ghana. In an exclusive interview, he criticized sports journalists for demotivating boxers and trainers by providing inaccurate information and failing to adequately promote the sport.
Lokko who is also the CEO/Head Coach of the Bronx Boxing Club, lamented the limited recognition given to boxing at the annual Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) awards. Despite boxing consistently delivering significant achievements for the nation, including the first African Olympic medalist, the late Clement Ike Quartey, the sport receives minimal attention. Lokko called for a monument to be erected in Quartey’s honour to recognize his immense contribution.
He questioned why SWAG consistently prioritizes football, a sport currently experiencing a decline in performance at both CAF and FIFA levels, while neglecting boxing, which boasts numerous WBO African champions. Lokko pointed out the irony of honouring footballers while the Black Stars recently failed to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations.
Carl Lokko emphasized the importance of recognizing and rewarding boxers, coaches, and boxing activities to motivate future generations. “We are always glad to mention our past champions like D.K. Poison, Azumah Nelson, Ike Bazooka Quartey, Alfred Kotey, Joshua Clottey, Nana Yaw Konadu, Joseph Agbeko, Isaac Dogboe, Emmanuel Tagoe for what they have done.
Lokko, Vice President of the United Boxing Coaches Association and an executive board member of the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA), has a proven track record of success. He guided Richard Commey to the IBF Lightweight world championship title and currently mentors promising talents like Sheriff Quaye, Jacob Laryea, John Laryea, Daniel Gorsh, Abu Kamoko, and Stanley Nyantekyi.
By Sammy Heywood Okine
