President of the Ghana Boxing Authority Mr. Abraham Neequaye has revealed on Rainbow Sports that it has become expensive to stage bouts at the Bukum Boxing Arena.
Speaking in an interview with Nhyiraba Kwabena Asirifi, he said if you are a promoter and you do not have money, you cannot stage a fight at the arena.
He described the situation as unfortunate, adding that it is not conducive to the advancement of boxing in the country.
The President stated that the original idea behind the arena’s construction was to promote boxing through the Social Security and National Insurance Trust’s Corporate Social Responsibility.
However, the plan has changed, and the facility is now a business centre with profit-driven managers.
He said, ”The original plan was that SSNIT constructed the arena as part of their CSR to promote boxing and other sporting disciplines. But the plan has changed to a business centre. They want to make a profit out of it. To stage a fight in the arena is very expensive”.
He further revealed the Authority pays Ghc10,000 to stage a bout at the arena.
“You can’t stage a fight at the arena unless you have sponsors. That is why, despite the fact that we have an arena, other promoters prefer to stage fights elsewhere. It is not suitable for sports. But we don’t have any other options at this point. We were overjoyed when the arena was built because we anticipated enjoying boxing. But you can’t stage boxing there if you don’t have any money.
He concluded by disclosing that the GBA spent Ghc200,000 last year organizing bouts at the arena.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com
