Veteran boxing promoter and matchmaker Solomon Otoo Lartey has declared that the people of Bukom continue to play the most significant role in shaping the direction of boxing in Ghana, citing the community’s rich history and enduring contribution to the sport.
Speaking on Omashi TV’s combat sports programme The Big Fight Night, Lartey, who describes himself as the President of Boxing Matchmakers in Accra, argued that Bukom remains the heartbeat of Ghanaian boxing because of the passion and commitment of its people.
“The people of Bukom dictate the pace of boxing in Ghana because they have the greatest interest in the sport and participate more than anyone else,” he said. “We have also produced the majority of Ghana’s world champions.”
Lartey, who has received international recognition with awards in both Senegal and London for his contributions as a boxing promoter and matchmaker, expressed confidence in the future of Ghana boxing. According to him, the country possesses a wealth of young talent capable of reaching world championship level if given the right support and opportunities.
During the programme, he threw his weight behind Rabbon Dodoo’s bid to become the next President of the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA), urging stakeholders to support his candidature.
Lartey described Dodoo as a knowledgeable and experienced boxing administrator whose background in the sport makes him the ideal candidate to lead Ghana boxing into a new era.
“Rabbon Dodoo is the right man for the job. He has boxed before, understands the challenges fighters face and has served on the GBA Board under former presidents Peter Zwennes and Abraham Kotei Neequaye. He knows the game inside out,” Lartey stated.
He further argued that Dodoo’s experience would be crucial in addressing the welfare concerns of professional boxers across the country.
“At the moment, Ghana boxing is hanging in the balance because there is no leader to take us to the promised land. Rabbon is the one who can provide that leadership,” he added.
Touching briefly on his relationship with Ghana’s first and only female world boxing champion, Abigail Quartey, Lartey declined to delve into the details of their differences. However, he emphasised that he remains concerned about her career progression and is willing to support her in finding new managerial representation if necessary.
“I want the best for Abigail because her future in the sport is important,” he said.
Lartey also highlighted the challenges facing women’s professional boxing in Ghana, noting that the limited number of active female fighters makes it difficult for promoters to organise regular bouts and create competitive opportunities.
His comments come at a time when discussions surrounding the future leadership of the Ghana Boxing Authority continue to intensify, with stakeholders eager to see renewed direction and development for one of the country’s most successful sporting disciplines.
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