‘Forget women, drinking and smoking’ – Bukom Banku tells aspiring boxing champions

Retired Ghanaian boxing icon, Braimah Kamoko, popularly known as Bukom Banku, has offered some advice to young fighters hoping to follow in the footsteps of Ghana’s boxing greats.

Speaking to Citi Sports, the outspoken former WBO Africa champion emphasised the importance of discipline and clean living in the sport.

“Forget about women, smoking, and drinking, and listen to your coach – you can become a world champion,” he said.

He further stated that discipline is the foundation of success in boxing, and without it, young fighters cannot hope to reach the elite level of some Ghanaian legends.

“If you’re a boxer, you have to be disciplined. No alcohol, no smoking, no womanising, if you really want to be like Ike Quartey, Azumah Nelson, Bukom Banku, Joshua Clottey, and others who are highly regarded,” he added.

Born on August 17, 1980, Bukom Banku first rose to national prominence after clinching a bronze medal in the heavyweight division at the 1999 All-Africa Games in Johannesburg, South Africa.

He went on to win the WBO Africa Light Heavyweight title in 2011 and followed it up with the WBO Africa Cruiserweight title a year later.

He enjoyed an impressive undefeated run with a 28-0-0 (21 KOs) record until October 21, 2017, when he suffered his first professional loss via TKO against Bastie Samir at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra.

He bounced back with a third-round win over Germany’s Rojhat Bilgetekin in Bradford, UK, in 2019.

Although now retired, Bukom Banku remains a voice in Ghana’s boxing community and is keen to see the next generation carry the torch with discipline and dedication.

Watch the interview below:

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