A group of Ghanaian boxers have cautioned journalist Okayakyie Afrifa to refrain from politicising boxing, warning him of potential consequences.
The boxers, who appeared on a TikTok discussion hosted by Joshua Clottey, expressed displeasure with Afrifa’s criticisms of Sharaf Mahama, son of President John Dramani Mahama, regarding the organization of a recent boxing event.
Sharaf Mahama, CEO of Legacy Rise Sports, hosted the ‘Battle of the Beasts’ Boxing Night at the Bukom Boxing Arena, featuring ten high-stakes bouts with international participants, including Anthony Joshua.
While the event received both praise and criticism, Afrifa questioned how Sharaf Mahama gathered resources to stage the event, given his purported lack of work history.
In response, the boxers on the TikTok live engagement strongly condemned Afrifa, accusing him of propaganda and warning him to cease his criticisms or face repercussions.
Emmanuel ‘The Game Boy’ Tagoe specifically criticised the journalist, stating that Sharaf Mahama’s support for boxing predates his father’s current political status and that Afrifa’s comments were unjustified.
Tagoe issued a stern warning, advising Afrifa to separate boxing from politics and propaganda, lest they take action against him.
“We are issuing this warning to you. Stop mixing boxing with your politics and propaganda. If you don’t stop doing that, we will look for you and deal with you ruthlessly. We will search for you at the station you work at and come and beat you mercilessly. We will not allow you to destroy boxing for us. Boxing is not politics. Shararf Mahama had been sponsoring boxing for years while his father was in opposition; you did not say anything about it.
Leave Saraf Mahama alone. If you speak about him, he will speak evil about him; we will come after you. This is just a warning to you. Take caution and do not annoy us with your propaganda.”
He also hurled insults at him with support from Joshua Clottey and the other participants in the live interaction.
Joshua Clottey, on his part, said the industry had declined, with no one willing to sponsor boxing due to some of these unfortunate remarks, and so they will not allow the journalist to destroy what has been achieved so far.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
