Bukom Banku attributes son’s African Games final loss to crowd pressure

Ghanaian boxing icon, Bukom Banku, believes his son’s loss at the 2023 African Games was due to the intense crowd pressure.

Abubakar Kamoko, known as Ambitious Tilapia, missed out on gold in the cruiserweight category’s final match, with Algeria’s Kanouni Ousama claiming victory.

Despite defeating opponents en route to the finals, Kamoko couldn’t clinch the top prize. Bukom Banku acknowledged his son’s talent but highlighted the overwhelming nature of the crowd, especially for a first-time experience.

Bukom Banku emphasized his son’s potential, tracing it back to his own boxing legacy. Although Kamoko settled for silver, it marked a significant achievement for Ghana’s boxing legacy, surpassing his father’s past bronze accolade.

Despite Kamoko attributing his loss to fatigue and inadequate rest between fights, his performance contributed to Ghana’s impressive boxing record at the Games, securing four gold, one silver, and two bronze medals, placing third overall.

Ghana’s triumph in boxing played a pivotal role in its stellar performance at the African Games, securing a record-breaking 69 medals.

This achievement underscores Ghana’s growing prominence in continental sports, showcasing its commitment to excellence on the international stage.