Emulate Segbedzi's achievement — MP tells Ashaiman youth
The Member of Parliament (MP) for Ashaiman, Ernest Henry Norgbey, has urged the youth of the area to emulate boxer, Sampson Segbedzi, and said he should also be an inspiration not just in sports, but also in every field of endeavour.
Segbedzi, who previously held the Universal Boxing Organisation (UBO) Africa welterweight title, last week defeated Isaac Commey at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra to add the Ghana national welterweight belt, as well as the Pugilistic Syndicate of Tanzania (PST) title to his collection.
With proceedings appearing to be even after four rounds in the much-anticipated clash which saw the two combatants engage in heated verbal war from the press conferences leading to the fight, on social media and at the pre-fight weigh-in, Commey was disqualified in the fifth round for headbutting Segbedzi who crushed to the canvas as blood freely flowed from the resultant injury.
Commey was disqualified and Segbedzi was declared the winner to become the first boxer from Ashaiman to sweep three titles in one night.
Mr Norgbey, who was at the ringside leading a large army of fans from his constituency to cheer their boxer to the record-making victory, insisted Segbedzi's historic feat should serve as motivation to the youth of Ashaiman that with discipline and hard work, they can achieve their dreams.
"Ashaiman is cosmopolitan with lots of talents such as musicians, boxers, footballers, artisans, a lot. So the victory of Segbedzi will help the youth of Ashaiman and promote boxing especially, but I also believe the various sports disciplines, as well as other fields, even academics can all take inspiration from his achievement," the MP told the Graphic Sports in an interview.
"We need to harness the potential and the talent, promote and support their activities so that at the end of the day, everyone who is interested in one discipline or another will also succeed and achieve their potential. We need to promote all of them so that the name of Ashaiman will be on the map," he added.
The MP also advised the boxer to remain disciplined and focused so he can achieve his goal in life.
"This happens to a lot of boxers and sportsmen that after their first title or little success, they begin to show off and do things that do not help their careers. We are very happy with his victory so I will advise Segbedzi to take it cool, concentrate, maintain his discipline and focus in life and make sure he can reach higher heights than he even aspires to," Mr Norgbey cautioned.
"He must avoid engaging in immoral acts that could weigh down his strength or invite unnecessary negative psychological effects. He should just concentrate, respect his promoters and coaches. As MP, I promise to give him all the support to achieve all his dreams, the same as all other sportsmen and women in the constituency aspiring to compete to the top."