Boxing promoter and businessman Ivan Bruce-Cudjoe has officially filed his nomination forms to contest for the Presidency of the Ghana Boxing Authority, outlining a vision aimed at restructuring professional boxing in Ghana.
Speaking to the media after submitting his forms at the Accra Sports Stadium, Bruce-Cudjoe pledged to restore credibility, improve boxer welfare, and expand the reach of the sport across all regions of the country.
A key pillar of his campaign is strengthening Ghana’s relationship with international boxing sanctioning bodies.
According to Bruce-Cudjoe, effective engagement with global organizations is essential to ensuring Ghana boxing operates professionally and gains greater international recognition.
I will have a good relationship with all the international bodies so that we can communicate and do things the right way,” he stated.
He also stressed the importance of transparency in boxer rankings, insisting that rankings should be published after every bout.
Additionally, he promised to enforce prompt payment of purses to boxers after bouts.
Bruce-Cudjoe further emphasized the need to rebuild amateur boxing as the foundation for long-term success in the professional ranks.
He argued that developing young talent through a strong amateur structure would better position boxers to excel at major international competitions, including the Olympic Games.
The foundation of becoming a professional is to look at the amateur. We have to grow them very well so that they can excel on the World Stage,” he said.
Explaining his decision to contest the GBA presidency, Bruce-Cudjoe expressed dissatisfaction with the current state of professional boxing administration in the country.
He pointed to poor fight organization and inadequate medical procedures for both boxers and trainers as some of the pressing issues that require urgent reforms.
I have been in promotion for some time now, and looking at how things are going, they are not the best. I thought of coming in to change things,” he remarked.
The promoter also advocated for the decentralization of boxing activities, insisting that the sport must not remain in Accra alone. He revealed plans to collaborate with the National Sports Authority to identify and develop boxing talent across all 16 regions of Ghana.
Boxing is not only to be staged in Accra. There are 16 regions in Ghana, and we have to tap into other talents,” he said.
Bruce-Cudjoe further argued that boxing possesses economic potential and can become a revenue-generating sport for the country if properly managed.
Reflecting on Ghana’s rich boxing history, he referenced legendary figures such as Azumah Nelson and Ike Quartey, who elevated Ghana’s image on the global stage through their achievements in the ring.
He also acknowledged the contributions of former world champions Joshua Clottey and Joseph Agbeko.
In times past, we had Azumah Nelson, Ike Quartey and others who lifted the image of Ghana boxing on the world stage. Today we have Joshua Clottey and Joseph Agbeko. They have done their best, but it is not encouraging,” he noted.
He concluded by assuring stakeholders that, if elected, his administration would focus on restoring Ghana boxing to prominence through discipline, transparency, and strategic development.
“If I should have the nod, I will put things in the right perspective,” Bruce-Cudjoe said.