Ghanaian promising heavyweight boxer Richard Harrison has been called up with respect to document misconduct leading to his suspension for 5-years in the sport.
Mr. Harrison after being lined to appear before the Ghana Boxing Authority’s Disciplinary/Arbitration Committee to answer questions that would give clear indications to what took place before his bout against Fabio Wardley in the United Kingdom blanked which made it easy for a decision to be drawn without hesitation.
People are asking the obvious question that leads back to “WHO SIGNED THE DOCUMENT”.
Mr. Harrision on a letter dated 12th March 2021 by the GBA was suspended on the grounds that the Ghanaian heavyweight boxer appended the signature of the Ghana Boxing Authority’s General Secretary Mr. Patrick Johnson to enable him honour a bout in the United Kingdom.
A visit down the road to get the views of boxing lovers showed the diverse views and displeasure of others with regards to the 5-years ban handed Mr. Richard Nii Lartey Harrison.
Mr. Benson Adanya, a boxing lover after being asked his take on the decision of the GBA stated; “I think it is unfair for the boxer to be punished because he did what he did because of his love for the sports and also he surely had come to management terms that probably supported his action who are supposed to be called to books too.”
Mr. Gideon Jones also added his piece saying “I know it is unlawful for anyone to impersonate and even forge another person’s signature irrespective of the pressure coming your way, but with the bureaucratic means of getting things done in Ghana, everyone tries to find an alternative which wasn’t favourable to the boxer.”
Many others added that, the Ghana Boxing Authority should probe the coaches and promoters of the fight since they did not do due diligence with regards to ensuring all such materials were coming from the correct source.
The unfortunate incident has cause many other boxers to take extra caution when trying to find their way around as they may face a career ending situation.
With Mr. Richard Nii Lartey Harrison yet to author a word about the happening, many have concluded his silence could be based on shielding who signed the document or admitting to the act.
By Nana Kojo Sakyie Eduafo-Quansah