Retired Ghanaian boxer, Braimah Kamoko, popularly known as Bukom Banku, has credited his ‘youthful appearance’ at 46 to his disciplined lifestyle, emphasising his abstinence from alcohol and smoking.
In an interview with 3FM, the former super heavyweight boxer revealed that he has never indulged in alcohol or smoking, attributing his well-maintained physique and youthful look to his commitment to a healthy lifestyle.
“I’m 46 years old. I don’t drink alcohol nor do I smoke. I swear with my Bible and the Quran. I’m a Muslim and I’ve never in my life taken alcohol,” stated Bukom Banku, highlighting his adherence to religious beliefs and personal principles.
With a remarkable boxing career that spans decades, Bukom Banku earned acclaim both nationally and internationally.
His bronze medal in the heavyweight division at the 1999 African Games in South Africa laid the foundation for his illustrious professional career, during which he boasted an impressive record of 29 wins in 30 fights. Despite experiencing a setback against Bastie Samir in October 2017, Bukom Banku’s resilience and skill in the ring have solidified his status as a boxing legend.
While Bukom Banku primarily fought in Africa, with notable victories including a triumph over Hungarian Ferenc Albert in the United Kingdom in 2019, his influence extends beyond the ring to his family.
- Bukom Banku blames crowd pressure for son’s defeat in African Games final
- African Games: Bukom Banku’s son breaks father’s 25-year-old boxing record
One of his sons, Abubakar Kamoko, known as Ambitious Tilapia, has emerged as a rising star in boxing, recently surpassing his father’s African Games record by clinching a silver medal in the 2023 African Games hosted in Ghana.
Banku expressed confidence in his son’s abilities, highlighting their familial connection and the promising talent displayed by Ambitious Tilapia.
Despite facing challenges, including the pressure of competing in front of a large crowd, he believes in his son’s potential to excel in the sport.
“He can follow my rules, but he lost because this is his first time, that’s why,” he remarked, underscoring his son’s determination and commitment to carrying on the family legacy in boxing.