Banko Stirs Emotions

Boxing maverick Bukom Banku drove an impressive audience to the brink of tears with both humour and sarcasm , referring to his near career collapse in a manner that typified his self image at a memorable dinner in Accra Saturday.

Known for his unique style in his expression in English language which has often created humour, none of his lyrics surprise the average fan at the awards ceremony held at the Coconut Groove in Accra. But when he remarked that “I was dead, but now I am alive”, he ignited an emotional moment that held the audience in silence briefly.

“I thank God for this day, and finally me too I am wearing a coat (suit) for the first time,” he said.

The 31-year-old was dressed in a black suit over a white shirt on a night staged by his managers, GoldenConcepts Management International, and promoters, GoldenMike Promotions, in his honour as he received an award from the World Boxing Organisation (WBO) as Africa’s Best Boxer for 2011.

And when he received the award from WBO Africa president, Andrew Smale, Banku made reference to how his managers and promoters had salvage his career from near colapse in a tone that attracted humour but almost drew tears from the crowd of boxing managers, coaches, boxers, ring officials and the media.

More than two years back, Banku had been diagnosed with a troubling eye problem upon which medical experts cautioned against his continued fighting in the ring.

But the situation was salvaged by his managers who arranged for his medical treatment. Thereafter, he returned to ring action, and now boasts of two titles - the World Professional Boxing Federation and WBO light-heavyweight titles.