Former IBF welterweight champion Joshua Clottey aka The Hitter failed to turn up last night for his scheduled exhibition bouts during the wake-keeping of the late boxing trainer Godwin Kotey Dzanie, aka “Alloway.”

But the show went on without the former world champion as the likes of reigning WBA international light champion Emmanuel “Game Boy” Tagoe, former national lightweight champion George Ashie, current lightweight champion Benjamin Lamptey, former national welterweight champion Obodai Sai and other boxers paid their last respects to the departed trainer.

The boxers brought some form of entertainment to an otherwise melancholy event.

Emmanuel Tagoe toyed with Abraham Osei Bonsu as he exhibited his fine skills in their lightweight fight. George Ashie made his experience felt in the ring but his opponent Benjamin Lamptey gave him a good run for his money in their lightweight showdown.

In another lightweight battle, Sheriif Quaye dazzled Michael Dodoo while Felix Ajom and Patrick Okine entertained the fans with a toe-to-toe-display.

Things got bloody when Patrick Aryee headbutted Isaac Sackey in their super bantamweight clash. Success Tetteh worked down Alfred Quaye in their featherweight contest.

Obodai Sai was given a stern test by Ishmael Tetteh in their middleweight showdown while Patrick Allotey and Robert Quaye exhibited some boxing artistries with the club loving every moment in their welterweight clash.

The opening bout saw Isaac Doworna and Razak Nettey combine boxing with dancing, delighting all in attendance.

The exhibition show was organized by the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) in conjunction with the United Boxing Coaches Association of Ghana (UBCAG) and attracted many fistic luminaries, including the Minister of Sports Nii Lante Vanderpuije, GBA President Peter Zwennes, boxing hall of famer Azumah Nelson and former GBA President Samir Captan.

“We have lost a great person in the world of boxing,” said Zwennes. “He was one of the finest coaches Ghana has ever produced and about 45% of the current boxers have all passed through his hands.

“We will dearly miss him because he has done a lot for Ghana boxing in terms of producing talents. May his soul rest in peace.”

“It is very sad to lose such a person,” Azumah lamented. “He is like a brother and he is a real professional because I have worked with him before. He understood the meaning of boxing; I’m personally going to miss him dearly.”

Former GBA prez Captan said, “It is unbelievable we have lost somebody like Alloway. I’m short of words, I can’t fathom what to say. He has done a lot for Ghana boxing and we will surely miss him.

“I have lost a father,” said George Ashie. “He brought me in to boxing and now he has left me. Currently I’m totally confused because I have lost someone who was there for me whenever I needed him. He was my second father and I will never forget the good things he has done for me.”

Emmanuel Tagoe added: “It pains me that what coach Alloway predicted about my boxing future he is not going to be part of it. Coach Alloway told me that I will become a world champion if I should take my training serious and I’m on the right path of achieving that feat but he will not be a witness to it. It is very sad but I believe his soul is resting in God’s hands.”

Credit:BBN