Ghana referee Erasmus Owoo urges fans to trust boxing officials after bribery claims

Senior international boxing referee and judge Erasmus Owoo has urged Ghanaian boxing fans to have confidence in match officials, insisting referees are committed to ensuring fairness despite allegations of bribery in the sport.

Speaking after the Osagyefo Fight Night at the Bukom Boxing Arena, Owoo said officials understand the sacrifices made by boxers and their teams before stepping into the ring, and strive to officiate every contest fairly.

"We try very much to do our best because we know the pains boxers and managers go through before and after bouts," he said.

Owoo also called on fighters to show greater discipline during contests by adhering to the sport's rules and regulations.

The experienced official, who has overseen more than 870 bouts in Ghana and abroad, acknowledged concerns about standards within the sport, arguing that some participants are allowed to compete without meeting the required conditions.

"Some boxers and managers do not meet the required conditions and education, so I think we should work on all that," he said when responding to claims that some referees can be bribed.

Despite those concerns, Owoo believes Ghana's boxing officials rank among the continent's finest and are determined to maintain that reputation.

"Ghana has very good boxers as well as very good officials and lovely fans," he added.

He also praised promoters who adhere to the sport's regulations and expressed hope that they would continue to instil discipline among trainers and boxers.

With decades of experience in the ring, Owoo said he remains optimistic about the future of Ghanaian boxing.