Ivan Bruce Cudjoe, the man taking Ghana Boxing to the next level
After the deaths of Nigerian boxer Gabriel Oluwsegun and Ghanaian Ernest Akushey aka Bahubali, the National Sports Authority (NSA) was directed by the Ministry of Sports and Recreation to pulse all professional boxing activities.
The late Bahubali was a cheerleader for the Ivan Bruce Cudjoe campaign, so his loss affected many people.
After a period, the ban was lifted and an Interim Management Committee (IMC) chaired by Samir Captan was set to draw a road map to the Congress and Elections of the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA), making sure all protocols are met.
The National Sports Authority (NSA) officially lifted the suspension on professional boxing in Ghana, effective Thursday, November 6, 2025, following the implementation of stringent safety reforms. The temporary ban, prompted by safety concerns after the two boxers deaths in 2025, was lifted after establishing a new Interim Medical Commission, centralized health database, and improved safety protocols.
Key details regarding the return of boxing include reforms and constitution amendments.On June 2nd the IMC will oversee the organisation of the Elective Congress and hand over to the new incoming President on June 4th.
Rounds and interviews conducted by Yours Truly indicate that Ivan Bruce Cudjoe aka ‘IBC’ is most likely to become the next President of Ghana Professional Boxing.
The experienced travel and tours operator, CEO of Travel Matters and Idrowhyt Events Centre has proved his leadership qualities in events and excellent programmes that he has been involved in.
One concern of Ivan is welfare of boxers; especially how local boxers can earn reasonable remuneration with attractive sponsorship packages and looking forward to a system of supporting old or retired boxers.
Since the halt on Ghana Professional Boxing activities, promoters, matchmakers and boxers have been educated and made aware of the importance of issues on health status and health screening.
Ivan Bruce Cudjoe says everyone is supposed to know his or her health status so it is normal for boxers, he advised them to be time conscious and work with time.
“Some boxing matches end late or the following day because of time factors”.
He commended Legacy Rise Sports for starting their programmes before 6pm and urged all promoters to emulate.
The CEO of Cabic Promotions revealed intentions to relinquish his position and have fair and firm concentration on the outlook and overview of Ghana Boxing. He believes in all trainers. coaches and boxers must benefit from their toils.
The affable personality also considers that Ghana must tighten or create relations with other countries and companies to create businesses for progress and promote tourism.
He thinks the political climate is most ideal for him to contribute to the development and promotion of Sports and Recreational activities.
“Every boxing stakeholder must experience the new flavour blowing around Ghana Boxing, it’s Ivan all the way” said Lizzy Mundi, a boxing fan who never misses boxing events.
By Sammy Heywood Okine