Ike To Be In Action Jan 14

The title-hungry “Bazooka” returned from the U.S.A last week after concluding negotiations with Lou Dibella Entertainment. The eagerly awaited “Return of Ike “Bazooka” Quartey” bout will most probably come off on January 14 in Accra with an unnamed American opponent.

Interestingly, he returned with a new but familiar look a clean shave that projects a very mean and business-like approach to his comeback. Many a fan would ask where the dreadlocks went. His trainer Coach Oko Odamtten explained that, “Ike has tried many fancy hairstyles but just decided to go back to his old clean shave to put himself in the mood for his comeback bout”.

This is a positive sign which gives every reason to believe that the former welterweight warrior is in for serious business. After all, his dreadlocks always depicted his parting lifestyle after 'retirement'.

Many have made the assertion that Ike is staging a comeback for financial reasons but this may not be the case.

The boxer claims he made that decision due to the highly competitive nature of the middleweight division and the presence of the big names like Bernard, Hopkins, Oscar De La Hoya and Felix Trinidad. The Bazooka's main target is to gun down Hopkins.

In fact, he also stated it clearly in an interview with JOY FM that he has made a lot of money from the sport but just wants to go back to the pugilistic sport to 'kill his boredom' and record another major success. He is ever ready to take up all the stiff challenges that will come his way, as he embarks on the second phase of his boxing career.

Negotiations are still on going to find a good American trainer to complement Oko Odamtten's excellent ideas. With regards to the boxer's self discipline in respect of his proposed comeback, Coach Oko Odamtten praised Ike highly in that respect. “We all know Ike enjoys good life but he doesn't mix pleasure with business. In fact, he attaches so much seriousness to his training schedule that I have to give him a break because he sometimes overtrains”.

There is a good level of rapport between Ike and his trainer, and this has helped the two to co-ordinate very smoothly over the years, without much hitches. “He understands my language and sometimes anticipates my next instruction ” Oko Odamtten said.

For now Quartey runs every morning for an hour and is keeping in tune awaiting the next line of action from the man behind his success. Anyone who has seen Ike since his return from the U.S.A, will definitely be convinced that Bazooka is breathing fire and ready to shoot his canons in all directions to bring down the likes of Trinidad and Hopkins.