An executive member of the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA), Alhaji Muritella Tofik, says it is unfortunate that Ghanaians underestimate the qualities of former world champion, Emmanuel Gameboy Tagoe, and rather place more premium on his theatrics in the ring.

This, he noted, has affected the boxer’s prestige and seeming popularity among boxing fans as he sets the tone for a world title fight with an eliminator against Ukraine’s Denis Berinchyk later this year.

“Gameboy is not regarded well in Ghana because of his theatrics in the ring, but he is one of the finest boxers this country has ever had,” he told Graphic Sports in an interview in Accra last Wednesday.

Alhaji Tofik believes Gameboy would kayo Ryan Garcia to put him in a pole position to fight for the World Boxing Organisation (WBO) lightweight title.

Gameboy, 31, has fought 32 times professionally with one loss and no draw. He is currently ranked third in the WBO lightweight ranking, while his opponent, 21, is undefeated in 20 bouts and is ranked second.

A fortnight ago the WBO ordered the promoters of the two fighters to reach an agreement for negotiations and 90 days for the two boxers to negotiate for a fight and purse bid to be agreed upon.

Tagoe, who is currently back in Ghana after a brief sojourn in the United States, is guaranteed not less than $150,000 in prize money if negotiations and purse bids are successful.

Alhaji Tofik thought Garcia would be a light work for the accurate and counter-punching Tagoe, who last fought and defeated Ishmael Aryeetey at Ussher Town in Accra in July last year.

“The Tagoe I know is  hard to beat, very difficult to touch, withstands and can take punches and doesn’t fear anyone,” he stated.

He entreated Ghanaians to throw their weight behind the Bukom lad and also pray for him to become a world champion.