Renowned boxing trainer Fatai Issifu, popularly known as “Pakistan” in boxing circles, has commended the ongoing Ghana Professional Boxing League at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra for providing local boxers with a platform to build their fight records. However, he emphasized that while the league is a positive development, it should be seen as a stepping stone toward greater goals.

In an interview with Graphic Sports, Issifu expressed concern that Ghana may struggle to produce world champions due to the lack of international recognition and ratings for local boxers. He highlighted the Ghana Boxing Authority’s (GBA) absence from international boxing conventions and the failure to capitalize on the country’s rich boxing history as key issues.

“Previously, our boxers had opportunities to compete for Commonwealth titles and eliminators because of the leadership we had. But now, they struggle to get any fight of international repute because we don’t attend meetings and conventions of the international boxing bodies to make an impact,” Issifu explained.

He also noted that many Ghanaian boxers are currently fighting for survival rather than pursuing titles, which he believes is detrimental to the future of the sport in the country. While the boxing league supports the livelihood of boxers and helps them build records, Issifu stressed the importance of securing international bouts and facing strong opponents to move closer to world titles.

Issifu urged the GBA to proactively establish relationships with international boxing organizations, which would enable Ghanaian boxers to secure high-profile fights and improve their global rankings. “If we want our boxers to win world titles or fight for world titles, then we must broaden our horizons, support them to fight the best outside the country, and help them achieve significant victories,” he stated.