Joseph Awinongya Sr., a Ghanaian professional boxing trainer based in the USA, has called upon the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) to organize regular tournaments for young boxers in Ghana, emphasizing the need for sustained opportunities for them to excel in the sport.

Despite Ghana’s rich boxing history, exemplified by legends like Azumah Nelson and Richard Commey, the nation has encountered challenges in producing world-class contenders in recent years, despite efforts from fighters like Isaac Dogboe and Joseph Agbeko. Awinongya believes that boxing, once a source of national pride, has been neglected to the point where it struggles to maintain its former dominance.

In an interview with Edward King Akuffo on Atinka TV, Awinongya urged the GBA to invest in grassroots boxing development, taking inspiration from the American model to identify and nurture young talents. He highlighted the importance of providing regular opportunities for young boxers to compete and gain experience, citing the American approach of selecting boxers randomly to assess their skills and arranging international fights for exposure.

Drawing from his own experiences training his son Joseph, who has accumulated significant fight experience at a young age, Awinongya emphasized the value of consistent competition and quality training in shaping successful boxers. He stressed that with proper guidance and support, young boxers in Ghana can thrive in the sport.

Awinongya, known for training notable boxers like IBO International Middleweight champion Osumanu Adama, has established a boxing gym in the USA for fighters from Ghana to train, aiming to provide them with opportunities free from exploitation by unscrupulous managers and promoters.