Agbeko arrives home after defending boxing title

Joseph Agbeko, the IBF Bantamweight World Boxing Champion returned to Accra on Wednesday morning after successfully defending his title against Armenian, Vic Darchinyan in the United States of America on July 11th, 2009.The IBF Bantamweight champion showed his class when he defeated the unified Super Flyweight champion Darchinyan by a unanimous decision a fortnight ago at the Bank Atlantic Centre in Sunrise, Florida, USA. Agbeko was met at the Kotoka International Airport by a large crowd of cheering fans and supporters as well as a number of dignitaries and boxing enthusiasts.Former Ghanaian Featherweight champion, Azuma Nelson, congratulated Mr. Agbeko and commended him for his humility and hard work that ensured his victory and added it is his hope that the champion would hold his title for a long time.Former President, Jerry John Rawlings who made a surprise appearance at the Airport to welcome the champion, wished the boxing champion well and encouraged him to do better.Mr Abdul-Rashid Pelpuo, Minister of Youth and Sports, described the appearance of the former President at the airport to welcome the boxer as both divine and timely and thanked him for his encouragement. The Minister pledged government's support to all sports men and women, adding that lesser known sports would be a major focus of the ministry.He said government would build a national boxing team where boxing champions like Azuma Nelson and Joseph Agbeko would motivate young and up-coming boxers.Agbeko thanked Azuma Nelson, former President Rawlings and his numerous supporters for their support and pledged that with hard work he has the hope of following in the footsteps of Nelson.He also thanked Ghanaians for their unyielding support. Agbeko is expected to be treated to a dinner on Wednesday evening and also address a press conference at the MTN Soccer Academy house at Ridge on Thursday afternoon.
Source:GNA