Freetown, SIERRA LEONE – The Sierra Leone Boxing Association (SLBA), led by Secretary General Alhaji Komba, introduced two international fighters from England to key sports authorities in Sierra Leone on Monday, April 22nd, 2024. The presentation took place at both the National Sports Authority (NSA) with the Executive Director, Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai, and at the Ministry of Sports with the Sports Minister and senior officials.
The visiting boxers, Liam Smyth (“Ginge”) from Shard End and Perry-Lee Atkinson from Birmingham City are seasoned professionals set to clash with Sierra Leonean boxers Alusine Mansaray (“Tommy Lee”) and Abu Bakar Katta (“Target”) in the upcoming ‘Commotion in the Ocean’ international fight scheduled for April 26th and 27th, 2024, at the Sports Zone Arena on Lumley Beach.
Alhaji Komba commended Saffa Abdulai for his support during a recent trip to Birmingham, emphasizing the significance of his role as a source of motivation. He highlighted the event’s dual purpose: to support the NSA by organizing a national event and to raise funds for the SLBA, recognizing the challenge of securing all necessary resources solely from government funding.
Abdulai welcomed the foreign fighters, expressing his personal connection to Birmingham and his commitment to fostering top-level athletes’ growth. He emphasized the NSA’s support for national competitions, stressing the importance of organized sporting events.
The visiting fighters shared their positive impressions of Sierra Leone, praising the warmth and friendliness of the people. Liam emphasized that the country’s peaceful and pleasant atmosphere contradicts misconceptions often portrayed in the media.
SLBA is gearing up for the National Boxing Championship and International Fights ahead of Sierra Leone’s participation in the final Olympic Qualifiers in Bangkok, Thailand, in May. On April 26th, Abu Bakar Katta will face Perry-Lee Atkinson, followed by Alusine Mansaray taking on Ginge on April 27th at the Sport Zone on Lumley Beach.
Following the meeting at NSA, the delegation proceeded to the Ministry of Sports, where the introduction was repeated by the SLBA scribe, marking the final preparations for the highly anticipated boxing event. BT/23/4/2024