Sports
Freezy MacBones era of Black Bombers
Freezy MacBones – Black Bombers latest kid on the block
In the absence of major development on the local boxing scene, the invitation of Seth Gyimah, a UK-based Ghanaian pugilist seems to have dominated the sports airwaves and print space.
Affectionately known as ‘Freezy MacBones’ obvi¬ously for his masculine cut frame, he emerged from the doldrums as a labourer at a construction site in Ghana.
But a quest to travel to the UK for greener pasture landed him in a boxing gym in London, turning him into a sensational boxer making waves with just two profes¬sional bouts.
He is back on the invita¬tion of the Ghana Boxing Fed¬eration (GBF), Ghana Olym¬pic Committee (GOC) and the Ministry of Youth and Sports (MoYS) to join the Black Bombers, the boxing national team, in their preparation for Paris 2024 Olympic Games qualifiers in Senegal in a few weeks’ time.
Contrasting opinions have been shared on the move but one cannot begrudge the GBF, GOC and MoYS as Ghana appear to be losing her status as one of the formidable nations, as far as amateur
boxing was concerned.
In the past, the nation could bet its last penny on a medal for the Black Bombers at events such as the Afri¬can Games, Olympic Games among others when all other disciplines failed.
But that period have gone with the Black Bombers strug¬gling to even gain qualifica¬tion to such events.
That anxiety bounce back to its glory days may possibly have influenced the GBF’s de¬cision to scout all around the world to assemble the very best boxers for the Senegal qualifiers to increase its pres¬ence in Paris next year.
But it appears those con¬cerns have been nipped in the bud since he started training with the team under Coach Ofori Asare.
The onus now rest on Freezy MacBones to justify his inclusion in the team. With¬out doubt, he would be seen as a ‘stranger’ from certain quarters because it will take him some time to get used to the surroundings and familiar¬ise with the new boxers.
From my point of view, Freezy MacBones’, inclusion in the team is no guarantee for success.
Former world champion, Isaac Dogboe, once walked on this same path amidst some level of fanfare but despite the hard work he put in, he failed to realise the ultimate dream of a gold medal for Ghana despite going on to become a world champion.
That is where my caution lies for the GBF – to be cir¬cumspect with their commen¬taries on MacBones’ invitation for the fans to be modest in their expectation.
With his unbeaten status, it would be normal for fans to have high expectations but it would be important for the same fans to know that this is a boxer that had his first fight in March 10, 2023 against Christopher Wood in the super middleweight division at the Yorke Hall in the UK.
In less than a month, he fought Darryl Sharp in light heavyweight at the Copper Box Arena in the UK and won on points.
It may be a very good start for such a promising talent but that does not also mean he would have his way at the amateur level which also comes with a totally different style which he must try and adjust fast enough.
By Andrew Nortey
Officials from the Ghana mission in the United Arab Emirates have paid a morale-boosting visit to the camp of the Black Queens.
The delegation, made up of Consular Officer Percy Okudzeto, Consul and Head of Chancery Abdul-Jalil Sigli Yakubu Abdulai and Head of Transport Anas Shaibu, visited the team to assure them of the government’s support and commitment to their safety and welfare.
During the visit, the officials interacted with the team and offered words of encouragement, urging the team to remain focused on the tournament despite concerns surrounding unrest in parts of the UAE.
Consular Officer Percy Okudzeto emphasised that the Ghanaian government, through its diplomatic mission, is closely monitoring the situation and is committed to ensuring the team’s safety throughout their stay.
“We want the team to stay calm and focus on the competition. The government and the embassy are doing everything possible to ensure your safety and well-being.” he said.
Consul and Head of Chancery Abdul-Jalil Sigli Yakubu Abdulai also reiterated the mission’s readiness to provide any assistance required by the team during the tournament.
Leadership of the team expressed appreciation for the visit, describing it as timely and motivating.
With the backing of Ghana’s diplomatic officials in the UAE, the Black Queens remain determined to represent the country proudly and deliver strong performances in the Pink Ladies Cup.
The Black Queens have arrived in the United Arab Emirates to participate in the upcoming Pink Ladies Cup in Dubai. The team touched down at the Dubai International Airport via Emirates Air on Wednesday morning and were warmly received by the competition’s organising officials.
The squad will be based at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, where they will begin their final preparations for the tournament. Organised as part of the international women’s football calendar, the Pink Ladies Cup is expected to feature four national sides using the competition to assess their squads and fine-tune strategies for upcoming tournaments.
Ghana will open their campaign today with a clash against Hong Kong, while Russia and Tanzania face off in the other opening match.
The Black Queens are then scheduled to return to action on March 3, when they take on Russia in a match expected to test them against a physically strong opponent.
The final round of games will be played on March 6, with Ghana closing their campaign against Tanzania at 9:00 pm.
With three matches in eight days, the tournament promises to be a crucial phase in Ghana’s preparation, as the Black Queens aim to return to continental action sharper, stronger, and more competitive.
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