Sports
Bastie itching for world title
Hard-hitting undefeated Ghanaian light heavyweight boxer, Bastie Samir, is famished for a world title, and believes the crown can land home in 2021.
Now 31, Bastie – popularly known as the ‘Beast’ says time is flying away so fast and cannot wait to accomplish his dream.
“Time is running out for me and I can’t wait any longer; Ghanaians too can’t continue to hang on,” he said.
The ruthless Beast began training individually this week ahead of a couple of engagements lined up before the end of the year.
Government on Sunday eased restrictions on individual and non-contact Olympic sporting activities, thus, lifting its ban with immediate effect. However, no team events are permitted.
“For now, team sports remain banned because of COVID-19. I’m hoping that by end of July next month, the pandemic would have subsided and the ban on team sports like boxing lifted.
“However, I think it’s important to be in good shape and keep the dream intact. That’s why I have began an intensive individual training – with the guidance of my trainer Ofori Asare – all in a bid to put myself in a ‘killer’ position,” Bastie, (18-0, 1, 16Kos), asserted.
The indomitable pugilist caused a hoo-hah in Ghana’s breathless boxing scene on October 21, 2017 when he brutally kayoed then undefeated Braimah Kamoko (Bukom Banku) in the seventh round of their non-title cruiserweight bout at the Bukom Boxing Arena, in Accra.
His next fight crawled in on February 24, 2019 at the same venue when he handed Lokossou Raoul of Benin, a crushing round-two knock-out in an international catchweight contest. Another round of ‘brutality’ was to be unleashed on Boxing Day December 26, same year, after callously battering Nigeria’s Sunday Ajuwa in the second round to clinch the PBC Intercontinental light heavyweight belt.
Bastie told the Times Sports yesterday that he would be engaging cruiserweight boxer Ayittey Powers and super middleweight Charles Adamu in some warm-up fights, “hopefully ahead of a World Boxing Organisation (WBO) Global title shot, by next year.”
“The COVID-19 pandemic has really been a bother. It has destabilised most of my plans, but let me be quick to say God knows best.
“Importantly, I’m focused and have my eyes fixed on the ultimate prize,” he added.
BY JOHN VIGAH
CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe mourns tragic death of Berekum Chelsea star Dominic Frimpong
The promising 20-year-old footballer painfully lost his life when the team bus was attacked while returning from a Ghana Premier League fixture.
In an official letter addressed to Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, President of the Ghana Football Association, Dr. Motsepe conveyed his deep sorrow over the devastating loss.
According to him, “It is with profound sadness that I learned of the armed robbery attack on the bus of Berekum Chelsea, returning from a Ghana Premier League fixture, which claimed the life of a 20-year-old winger Dominic Frimpong.”
The CAF President went on to express condolences on behalf of both himself and the continental football body, recognising the pain felt by all those connected to the young player.
“Please pass my personal and CAF’s deepest condolences to the family, friends and teammates of Dominic Frimpong and to the Ghana Football Association,” he noted.
In a message filled with compassion and solidarity, Dr. Motsepe offered prayers and support to the bereaved and the wider Ghanaian football community.
He added, “May God comfort and console his loved ones and the entire Ghanaian football community. CAF is with you during this sad and painful period.”
According to the GFA, it remains in constant communication with the club and relevant authorities, including the Ghana Police Service, as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the attack.
Authorities are being urged to ensure that all necessary steps are taken to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Sports
FIFA President extends condolences to Berekum Chelsea FC following passing of Dominic Frimpong
FIFA President, Gianni Infantino has extended condolences on behalf of FIFA and the global football community to the family, friends, and Berekum Chelsea FC.
This follows the tragic passing of player Dominic Frimpong in a reported attack after a Ghana Premier League fixture against former Premier League Champions FC Samartex 1996 on Sunday.
President Gianni Infantino says he is deeply saddened by the tragic passing of the 20-year-old calling the passing tragic.
