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Nigerian boxer opts for Ghana
Accra, Jan 17, GNA – Morgano Kubano, a Nigerian-born amateur
boxer has openly declared his intention to fight under the
Ghana flag when given the chance.
The middleweight boxer said that he is ready to switch
nationality anytime his request is given the official
consideration by the Ghana Amateur Boxing Association (GABA).
Kubano who disclosed this when he stormed the offices of the
Ghana News Agency (GNA) on Wednesday, said that his latest
decision follows the several failed attempts he made to
represent his fatherland.
The twenty–four year old native of Bendel State explained
that he has been overlooked by his countrymen for several
international competitions even though he has justified his
inclusion into the Nigerian Amateur Boxing Association (NABA)
team, after some sterling performances in local
championships.
Kubano recounted how he was painfully dropped from the
boxing team for the 1999 All Africa Games in Johannesburg,
South Africa after excelling with his State’s team at the
national championships, which served as the criterion for
the selection of boxers.
“Twice I was voted the most exciting amateur boxer in
Nigeria, in 1994 and 1996, but they never gave me the chance
to join the national team for competitions.”
He said after almost six years in the national camp with any
action, it is now about time to make a move to a place where
he would be given the necessary recognition, hence his
decision to switch to Ghana, a haven for the pugilistic
sport.
The tall, well built boxer who has been in the country since
September 2006, trains with the Fit Square Boxing Gym in
Accra and has appealed to the GABA to reconsider his request
and give it the necessary attention to enable him prove a
point.
He told the GNA Sports that he has held preliminary talks
with Richard O. Lamptey, General Secretary of GABA, but has
not received any positive response as yet.
The boxer said that he wants to bring his rich experience to
bear on the national boxing team, the Black Bombers as they
prepare for the All Africa Games in Algeria in July, 2007.
Last December at the Prisons Canteen, Kubano displayed his
boxing prowess in a catch-weight bout with Bastir Samir,
captain of the Bombers during the Greater Accra Amateur
Boxing Association’s (GAABA) organised Champion of
Champions, which the latter was controversially declared the
winner.
The Bendel State boxer believes Ghana will give him the
right opportunity to achieve his goals of annexing an All
Africa or Commonwealth Games medal.
The fact that he has never fought for Nigeria makes his
nationality switch not a complex issue, as he is ready to
furnish the Association with the necessary documentation
upon their request.
He however said that he would look elsewhere, when his
Ghanaian dream hits a snag.
GNA
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