Deep in the throbbing heart of Chorkor, a slum settlement of Accra, and adjacent to the Community Health Post, a makeshift set-up houses what has now become a hub to churn out the next generation of champions from this littoral suburb. Chorkor is a fishing community where Ghanaian Soccer legend Stephen Appiah hails from: the indigenes love their football, but they also enjoy boxing and adore their boxing heroes.
Located in a vicinity famed for producing credible world level operators; the likes of Percy Oblitei Commey, Ben Wonder Tackie, Lartekwei Hammond, Patrick Allotey, Isaac Nettey, Isaac Quartey and quite recently Michael ” One Bullet” Ansah and Richard Lartey, the Chorkor Champions Boxing Gym founded in 2019 is gradually gaining grounds in the boxing stratosphere.
Progenitor of the gym, Trainer Ben Tagoe, was an amateur standout who had to step out of the game owing to injury. He prudently resolved to channel his energy into coaching: a resolution that birthed the Chorkor Champions Boxing Gym.
In close to half a decade, several prospects have been unearthed, protuberant among them is Juvenile sensation Godfred Coffie also known as Oko CP or Chorkor Pacman.
Vandorf Ocran, Michael Akramah Tetteh, Jon Power, David Tagoe, Paul Mbanugo, Solomon Aryeetey, Richmond Aryeetey and Janet Acquah are among the bright prospects from this stable. Experienced Daniel Ofori Lartey also hones his repertoire in this stable.
Coach Ben who himself was tutored by late former Cruiserweight world title challenger Napoleon Tagoe (Ayaa Napo) recounts the difficulties he encountered in the beginning: “It was very tough but I had to persevere and sacrifice. I also had support from some individuals and this really kept the dream on track”.
He mentioned Mr Ayi Spear, Shado Shanty, Papa Anago, Paa Tee, Fero, Asaa Sniper,Madam Georgina and Osebor as part of the people who have supported the gym thus far.
He also called on individuals and corporate bodies to come on board for assistance.
When this reporter visited the gym, training sessions were very intense in preparation for bouts on the Ghana Professional Boxing League and other bouts within Ghana and internationally.
Watch out for boxers from this gym.
BY SAM OPOKU AMOAH GOLD