Only four of the 42 referees and judges newly trained by the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) are currently active in officiating sanctioned boxing matches.

The GBA’s two-day training course took place on December 1st and 2nd, 2022, at The Gym Boxing Club in Accra. Among the active officials are Nathaniel Neequaye Kotey, a marketing student at Methodist University and an employee of Multichoice, and David Nettey, a building technology student at Accra Technical University. Both are determined to make a lasting impact on boxing as world-class referees.

In an exclusive interview on The Big Fight Night on Omashi TV, the duo shared their passion for the sport and their dedication to self-development. Kotey, the 2024 Boxing Ghana Referee of the Year, credits his motivation to his uncle, GBA President Abraham Neequaye. Nettey, inspired by his father, Vincent Akai Nettey, a national Black Bombers coach, shared that his journey began with assisting young boxers at the gym before seizing the opportunity to referee.

The two young referees emphasized their commitment to enhancing Ghana’s boxing industry rather than chasing immediate success or international exposure. They highlighted the importance of financial investment and better equipment for grassroots development to produce more quality boxers at juvenile and amateur levels.

Kotey expressed appreciation for the Wisdom Boxing Club, where he honed his practical skills, and stressed the importance of discipline for boxers aiming for success. Nettey advised boxing coaches and fans to familiarize themselves with the rules of the sport to prevent misunderstandings and controversies.

Both officials acknowledged the need for fairness and safety in the ring and used the platform to educate fans about controversial decisions in bouts. They concluded by wishing their families, fans, and the boxing community a prosperous new year.