Michael Niederjohann, President and trainer at Boxclub Root, and his partner Michael Schluh from Switzerland have been supporting two boxing clubs and three young boxers to achieve their dreams.
Here is the full detail of the journey so far.
Boxing is a capital-intensive career path with the hope of future major cash out when a boxer becomes a world champion. The dreams of these boxers are often nursed first at their clubs or by their trainers.
National Federations around the world often advertise on their websites avenues clubs can apply for funding for development.
The above is absent in Ghana, therefore how do boxing clubs gain funds to nurture boxing talents? This question becomes important since most boxing clubs in Ghana are run as informal charities. How do they raise funds?
An interaction with a section of club owners and gym managers reveals that funds are raised through fights, donations and in very few incases dues. These avenues are not frequent as most fighters in Ghana give a percentage to their Coach and not to the development of the facility. Donations often come from benevolent individuals like Micheal Niederjohann and Michael Schluh who have been supporting Akotoku Boxing Club and Powerful Boxing Club since 2019.
Michael Niederjohann (President of Boxclub Root) and partner Michael Schluh connected with the clubs nearly half a decade ago when the latter attempted to pursue an interest in boxing in Bukom, Accra, Ghana. The relationship has since blossomed resulting in the pair raising fundings and mentorships for both clubs. This willingness to support is not an abnormality as Mr. Schluh has been involved in philanthropy work in Ghana for over two decades focusing mainly on sports.
The support given to the clubs has seen the transformation of the floor of Akotoku Academy. This has resulted in the replacement of the sand floor with concrete to ensure boxers’ comfort while learning the art of boxing. The clubs also received equipments such as gloves for boxers, pads for coaches, gumshields and training kits, as well as help fuel the dreams of three boxers; Alfred Kotey (Akotoku), Elizabeth (Powerful) and Ramzy Addy.
Michael Schluh revealed that this decision to support the clubs stems from the warm reception he received when he first visited Akotoku Academy. In addition, the thrill of learning about boxing was such an uplifting experience.
In the words of Mr. Niederjohann, “We saw the potentials of the boxers and the commitment of the trainers [of both clubs] we wanted to start a partnership with”.
Elvis Robertson, trainer at Akotoku Academy has expressed appreciation to the pair for the support granted them so far and looks forward to more in the future.
In his own words Coach Roberts said “Michael has been of help for sometime now and has been one of the strong pillars who supports Akotoku Academy, you know it’s very difficult to get support here in Ghana to facilitate your gym so they coming in to support us has really improved us especially providing us with boxing tools such us mouthpiece, hand wraps, pads, boots, gloves, skipping ropes and uniform training kits (boxraw), etc for the gym which has perfect their inform abilities in the gym and ring.
It has also helped us to minimize cost and not to lack these kinds of boxing tools in getting them in the gym. The gym is also highly motivated with the relationship feeling support and sometimes able to voice our concerns when we are in need of something.
Through the support, boxers have the flexibility and confidence in coming to training at all times. Also, some boxers like Alfred Kotey who cater for their personal requirements have been able to build and renew their confidence level through his support network.
Mr. James Quartey of Powerful Boxing Gym has revealed that the support from Mr. Schluh and Mr. Niederjohann has been very helpful for the team. The support kit helps the team look uniform and the financial support makes learning boxing easier for the boxers. In addition, it is helping Elizabeth stay in school which is very important for her future according to the Coach. He further stated that partnership with their benefactors has lifted the team’s moral and focus.
Two of the boxers benefitting directly from this partnership have shared their experience with us.
Alfred Kotey who is currently part of the 20 man-squad hoping for a place in the final nine-men team to Birmingham explains that his career has been influenced so much by this partnership and hopes other boxers can benefit as well. Elizabeth revealed that learning boxing as a girl in Ghana can be difficult. However, the journey has been easier because of the support from Switzerland.
Michael Niederjohann has revealed that they plan to continue supporting boxing in Bukom and are especially proud of the partnership with Boxing Is Love and Boxraw, that saw the coming of Isaac the Royal Storm Dogboe to visit the clubs and mentor the boxers.
Ghana Boxing Federation is yet to come out with a comprehensive outline for support for the clubs in Ghana as the Federation often depends on the government. What form should the support take?