Braimah Kamoko, popularly
referred to as Bukom Banku, has opened up on his journey from a ‘street fighter
and thief’ to one of Ghana’s most celebrated boxers.
Banku is known for his exploits as a boxer, comedian and
actor but prior to taking up these professions Banku led a lifestyle that not
many will be proud of.
In an interview with Abeiku Santana on the Atuu Show, Banku detailed
the kind of lifestyle he used to live before becoming a professional boxer
which paved way for the other things his name is associated with.
According to the man who lost his unbeaten record to Bastie
Samir, thievery and pickpocketing where his engagements before establishing
himself as a pugilist.
“I’m a ghetto boy. I used to go to the seashore, Kantamanto
and other places to fight. I’m a street fighter. I did rough things like
picking people’s money, beating people rough. So it’s the ghetto people I used
to do these things with who told me that the way you have strength, you have to
be a boxer so they sent me to the gym. Right now boxing has made a superstar in
the nation so I’m really grateful to all ghetto people,” he said.
Banku has often been referred to as a ‘local champion’ who is
unable to replicate his impressive form on the international stage but in his
first bout outside Ghana, he recorded third round knockout win over German
boxer Rojhat Bilgetekin.
Banku is still reveling in his victory which he reckons makes
irrelevant suggestions that he is a ‘local champion’.
“People always talk. Banku can’t fight international fight
but now their mouths have been shamed. I fight international fights and I’m
going to do more fights to bring IBF to Ghana,”
Source: Ghanaweb