Referee Richard Amevi has added his voice to the advice for boxing fans to be calm and pray for the best for Ghana Boxing.
In an exclusive interview last Friday on The Big Fight Night on Omashi TV, he revealed his passion for officiating all combat sports, including mixed martial arts (MMA), Kickboxing, Muay Thai, Judo, and others.
He was born in Jamestown, and he loves all kinds of dishes, though his mum sold beans and gari when he was a kid, and living in Jamestown has made him tough.
“The people are very talented in sports, but they choose football or boxing, and you either get involved deeply as a practitioner or fan. I didn’t want to be watching, so I got involved and became a referee,” he revealed.
Richard Amevi started officiating in 2011, and his best boxing match was between the Quaye brothers at the Bukom Boxing Arena.
His most memorable and very sad experience was recent when a Nigerian, the late Gabriel Segun Oluwasegun, collapsed and passed after being rushed to the Korlebu Teaching Hospital.
He did not want to talk about the tragedy on the show but hoped that everyone at the Ghana Boxing Authority, the promoters, and the matchmaker would cooperate for Ghana and Nigeria to maintain the peaceful and cordial relationship.
He cautioned boxing fans not to behave in a way that scares investors who want to support boxing in Ghana and commended efforts of new promotions like Legacy Rise and others.
He recalled how he struggled after elementary school at Sempe Boys, New Dawn, and Ebenezer SHS as a spare parts dealer and media practitioner (cameraman) doing videos for his church, Global Revival Ministry, and later finding love in boxing, but currently a machine operator.
He noted that Ghana Boxing is doing very well because the talent abounds, and hopes corporate Ghana will support to improve the sport.
“I want the best boxers to fight among themselves to bring out the very best who can go out to win world titles,” he expressed.
Although he has not yet won an award, he is still practicing and knows the future is very bright.
“I don’t know how the nominations are done, but I suggest experts should monitor and come out with those who deserve best,” he said.
He supported the insurance of boxers and officials as well as strict adherence to health, medical, and safety rules and regulations before and during bouts.
Referee Amevi’s hobbies are watching boxing and officiating, which he thinks remuneration awarded is not impressive, hence the need for more investment and sponsorship.
By Sammy Heywood Okine
