Larry Holmes To Visit Ghana

World heavyweight boxing legend, Larry Holmes, is expected to visit Ghana this year.The historic visit comes nearly two years after Lenox Lewis, then heavyweight champion of the world, was accompanied to Ghana by legendary boxing promoter,Don King.

When he visits, the former American world heavyweight champion is expected to be handed royal status by the Ga paramountcy following the former boxer's trace of heritage to the Ga clan in Ghana.

According to a source close to Nii Amarkai III, Dzasetse of the Asere Paramount Stool of the Ga State, the former boxer, upon arrival, will also fund a boxing gym to be run by former boxer and veteran trainer, Eddie Blay, in Ghana. Mr Blay, Olympic Games bronze medallist in 1964, who spoke to Holmes on phone on the subject said, “he (Holmes) was impressed about my capabilities and he is serious about facilitating the establishment of the gym”.

“That will be the turning point of Ghana boxing from the recent mediocrity to a golden era.”Holmes' planned visit, according to the source, has been arranged by a Ghanaian close pal of Holmes and who holds close links to the Ga paramountcy.

But the visit brings to the entire country a boxing legend whose reign as champion in the heavyweights is captured in gold letters long after his retirement.Reputed to be one of the finest boxing champions ever, Holmes fought without defeat in 12 years, reigning as champion for seven of those glorious years.

Indeed, but for a controversial defeat to Michael Spinks in 1985, Holmes would have equalled Rocky Maciano's 49-0 record in heavyweight boxing.In spite of this, the American walks with high shoulders for conquering some of the most revered boxers of all times.

Convincing victories over Ken Norton — from whom he won the title in 1978, Gerry Cooney and Carl Wiliams made Holmes a household name, but none other than the 11th round technical stoppage of the great Muhammad Ali did he win a firm and permanent place in boxing's history.

Today, Holmes runs his own gym in the United States alongside his other business interests.