President of the United Coaches Association of Ghana, Mr. Charles Quartey, has urged the government to invest in young boxers representing the nation, emphasizing their potential to become world champions.

In an exclusive interview on Omashi TV’s flagship program The Big Fight Night, Coach Quartey highlighted the abundance of talent in Ghana but lamented the lack of exposure and experience for young fighters.

As the founder and head trainer of the Charles Quartey Boxing Foundation, he recently led Ghana’s national youth team to the 2024 IBA Youth World International competition in Montenegro and Serbia. While the tournament provided invaluable experience, he noted that challenges such as late arrival, weather conditions, and biased officiating hindered the team’s success, leaving no Ghanaian boxer in the medal zone to secure cash rewards.

Coach Quartey called for more focus on training Ghanaian international technical officers, referees, and judges. He emphasized the importance of informed decision-making regarding affiliations with organizations like IBA and World Boxing.

While praising the increasing number of star-rated coaches in Ghana, he advised trainers to maintain a clear distinction between training amateurs and professionals. He also appealed to the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) to operate with fairness and professionalism, preserving the legacy of pioneers such as Samir Captan, Moses Foh Amoaning, and Peter Zwennes.

Quartey expressed concern over the high costs of renting the Bukom Boxing Arena and urged Ga chiefs to intervene if boxers are being exploited. He also urged fans to behave responsibly at events to maintain the sport’s reputation.

Additionally, he called for better remuneration for boxing coaches and appealed to the government to establish a national boxing training center, given the promising future of juvenile boxing in Ghana.

Coach Quartey concluded by commending the efforts of his executives at the United Coaches Association and the Ghana Boxing Federation (GBF).