Suleimanu Korley, a former trainer of Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist Samuel Takyi, says he is shocked by the treatment he has received at the hands of Takyi since he became an Olympic bronze medalist.
Korley, formerly of the Discipline Boxing Gym in Accra, says he gave the 21-year-old Takyi the life he is currently enjoying as a national hero and asset but was completely dismayed by how he has been ignored by the pugilist.
“I don’t want anything of monetary or material value from Takyi. I just want him to accord me respect and remember that I fed and clothed him for close to a decade when his parents didn’t know where he was,” he told the Graphic Sports at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra last Saturday.
Coach Korley receives the best coach of fight night 2 of the new Ghana Professional Boxing League back on fight night 2 – Saturday 5 March, 2022 – Bukom Boxing Arena Photo Credit: Eric Odom Boateng
Coach Korley, as he is popularly known in boxing circles, said he took Takyi as his son, fed and clothed him, mentored him and trained him in the sport.
“Takyi cut his teeth in boxing through me. I trained him at the Discipline Boxing Gym and offered him all the support he needed to become a great amateur boxer,” he noted.
According to the trainer, after the Tokyo Olympics, Takyi ignores him and even walks away whenever he sees him passing by.
Takyi is getting ready to make his professional debut with new trainer, the great Ike ‘Bazooka’ Quartey in Accra on April 15
He, however, noted that he wished nothing but the best for him and expected him to become a world champion with the training he received from him.
“Under my tutelage, he has learnt all the rudiments of the sport and he has what it takes to become a world champion,” he stated.
Responding to claims by his former coach, Takyi noted that he was cool with every member of the Discipline Boxing Gym including Coach Korley.
Meanwhile Takyi who is now with Bazooka Promotions under the tutelage of former world champion Ike ‘Bazooka’ Quartey will be making his professional debut on April 15 at the Accra City Hotel against tough nut Kamaldeen Boyefio.
The young Takyi has vowed to win and fight as he aims to become a world champion.
Credit: Graphic Sports
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