Ivor Kobina Greenstreet with Richard Oblitey Commey
The 2016 flagbearer of the Convention People’s Party (CPP), Ivor Kobina Greenstreet, has congratulated Richard Oblitey Commey on his recent successful title defence and called for support for boxing.
The reigning International Boxing Federation (IBF) Lightweight champion knocked down his Mexican opponent (Beltran) four times before stopping him in the eighth round at the Pechanga Resort Casino in California on June 28.
Commey, who stays close to Greenstreet’s family house on Bruce Road Jamestown, was happy to receive the former flagbearer, who is also a Black Sniper and General Secretary of the Ghana Shooting Sports Federation (GSSF).
They discussed sports in general and the neglect of many other sporting disciplines in particular.
Commey, who indicated that his title belt and manager will be in the country this week, strongly lamented about his lack of support and lengthy struggles prior to becoming a world champion.
They both agreed that state and private sector have to do more to promote new and upcoming sportspersons.
Greenstreet indicated that boxing is a natural job creating engine in old Accra, and called for support for the sport.
He added that old Accra’s globally significant heritage of boxing could itself be a major tourism attraction if accorded the needed attention.
Commey also stated that he has established a foundation to support young fighters.
Greenstreet later conducted a tour on The Gym, the local training base of Commey, with Nii Addo Quaynor, a manager of the facility.