CEO of Box Office Sports Promotions, Alex Ntiamoah, has opened up about the immense financial sacrifices he made to organize the 2014 boxing showdown between Braimah Kamoko A. K. A Bukom Banku and Michael Ayitey Okine A. K. A Ayitey Powers.
Speaking on JoySports Link on JoyFM, Ntiamoah revealed that after securing commitments from the fighters, he approached potential sponsors for support.
Despite initial interest, many sponsors backed out when it was time to finalize agreements, leaving him in a dire financial situation.
In order to see the event through, Ntiamoah sold both his car and a piece of land to raise the necessary funds
“I discussed with one or two people who wanted to come and support. When I finished signing the contract and went back to the people I had conversations with regarding sponsorship, they started giving excuses,” he said.
“I had already committed to the boxers by giving them some money to start training, so I had to sell my car and a piece of land that I had.
With some help from people I knew, I was able to raise the money for the bout.”
The, which took place at the Accra Sports Stadium, drew significant national attention, attracting large crowds and extensive media coverage.
While the financial outcome was not favourable, with Ntiamoah not breaking even on his investment, he emphasized the positive impact the bout had on Ghanaian boxing.
“At the end of the day, I wasn’t even able to break even on the money I put into that fight, but I believe it’s one thing that put Ghana boxing on a certain level, and I was glad about it,” Ntiamoah concluded.