Nii Lante Vanderpuye sees future success in boxing than football

Former Sports Minister Nii Lante Vanderpuye believes Ghana has a greater chance of achieving global success through boxing rather than football.

Vanderpuye pointed to the country’s recent struggles in football, highlighting the Black Stars’ failure to win a major trophy since their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) triumph in 1982.

In contrast, boxing has historically been a shining light for Ghana, producing legendary world champions such as Azumah Nelson and David Kotey, who elevated the country’s status in the international sporting arena. Vanderpuye sees this potential continuing to grow, especially with the emergence of talented boxers from northern Ghana.

“We have the potential to become a much better sports nation through boxing than football,” he told JoySports, emphasising the physical attributes of fighters from the northern regions. He added that these boxers possess natural strength but require the right knowledge, skill, and technique to reach their full potential.

“When you have somebody who is so passionate and you transfer knowledge and technique to him, complimenting his natural strength, he becomes super,” Vanderpuye noted.

However, boxing in Ghana has also faced challenges in recent years. The country has not produced a world champion since Richard Commey’s loss to Teofimo Lopez in 2019, and Ghana had no boxing representation at the 2024 Olympic Games, marking a significant decline for the sport.

Nii Lante Vanderpuye remains optimistic, though, that with proper investment and support, boxing can once again place Ghana on the global map.