The boxing community in Ghana, particularly experts and enthusiasts of the sport, have voiced their discontent with the outcome of the UBO Light Heavyweight Championship held on April 13. The fight, which saw Ghana’s Bastie Samir face off against Nigeria’s Rasheed Idowu, ended in controversy with a technical draw declared and later awarded to Idowu.

Former President of the Ghana Boxing Authority, Lawyer Peter Zwennes, expressed his disbelief at the decision, stating that he saw no illegal punches and questioned the fairness of the verdict. Others, like Mr. Augustus Dodoo of the United Boxing Coaches Association of Ghana, criticized the involvement of inexperienced officials and called for the use of more seasoned referees and judges.

Maurice Quansah, a former Vice President of the Sports Writers Association of Ghana, noted that Samir seemed unfit for the bout, while Nii Otoe Bruce-Tagoe, a ringside boxing photographer, emphasized that Samir’s defeat was clear and decisive.

Sammy Ofosuhene of Boxing Ghana echoed similar sentiments, suggesting that Samir’s performance indicated a decline in stamina and form, possibly due to age catching up with him. Ace Sports Journalist Sammy Heywood Okine lamented the disappointing outcome for Ghanaian boxing, citing Samir’s apparent lack of preparation.

Karimu King, a former boxer turned coach in Italy, labeled the decision a “stolen verdict” and urged Samir to return to training to rectify his mistakes.

Criticism also fell on the Ghana Boxing Authority for not declaring a clear winner, despite Samir being knocked down in the second round. However, President of the GBA, Mr. Abraham Neequaye, defended the decision, citing security concerns due to the fans’ anger.

The UBO officials, upon review, condemned the technical draw decision and declared Idowu as the rightful UBO Africa Light Heavyweight champion, emphasizing the need to rectify the injustice.