By Prince Dornu-Leiku:Ghanaian Joseph Awinongya remains determined to make many African boxers world champions and in current protégés Osumanu Adama and Albert Mensah, both from Ghana, the man nicknamed ‘Ringmaster’ may be close to finally realising the dream.
Adama currently holds the IBO International, USBA and USBO Middleweight titles and only last week earned a 9th round stoppage win over former world champion Roman Karmazin in an IBF Middleweight eliminator and is expected to fight champion Daniel Geale for the IBF belt next year.
Albert Mensah has the IBF International Light Welterweight title after securing it via victory over Canadian hot prospect Andre Gorges back in July, his first fight in the USA and the 14th straight win.
“He has been tried and tested. Even the blind can see that Joseph Awinongya is the best trainer in USA. In less than 4 months he whipped me into shape and took me from no ranking to become the IBF champion,” reckons Albert Mensah, 24-3-1 (10 KOs).
When Albert Mensah was asked further about trainer and mentor Joseph Awinongya he said: “Have you ever fetched water from a dry well before? That is Joseph. In terms of someone knowing an African boxer, their lifestyle, their needs, what they eat and what they speak, look no further. Joseph has what it takes, because he was born and bred in Africa.”
Mensah who is being lined up by Awinongya for a possible crack at the IBF title believes there is no better trainer for African boxers in the USA than his coach “He knows the knicks and crannies of all the 10 regions in Africa and he speaks all of the Ghanaian languages.
“So, if your interests are to come to USA and be a good boxer, or if you are over here in USA and need good boxers from Africa your first and your last stop should be Joseph Awinongya because he has what it takes,” Albert Mensah stated confidently.
Joseph Awinongya, a Ghana native, based in USA– Chicago, IL.- named the “Ringmaster” by Chicago Sun-Times, is the first Ghanaian to own a world renowned boxing gym named Will County Boxing Gym. His former promoter Don King gave him an opportunity to find his strengths.
Now, he is giving that chance to many others.