The prospect of one of Ghana's most explosive boxing grudge matches moved a step closer yesterday after Bastie Samir declared himself ready to face Abu "Tilapia" Kamoko, provided promoters meet his $50,000 purse demand and put a contract on the table.

The former Black Bombers captain says he is prepared to settle a feud that stretches back nearly a decade, when he handed Braimah "Bukom Banku" Kamoko the only defeat of his professional career. Now, Banku's son is chasing revenge, and Samir insists he is more than willing to oblige.

Speaking to the Graphic Sports via telephone, the 40-year-old former Olympian made it clear that negotiations must begin with a serious financial offer.

"I'm ready to take on the fight, but I think the purse should be $50,000," Samir said. "If they are serious, they should come to the table and negotiate."

The Beijing 2008 Olympian also wants sufficient preparation time before stepping into the ring.

"They should also give a three-month notice. Now they are saying December, so it's okay. They should make sure they put a contract on the table, speak to Coach Asare and let's strike a deal," he added.

The challenge has been gathering momentum in recent months, driven largely by the confidence and ambition of the younger Kamoko.

At just 23, Abu Kamoko has emerged as one of the brightest prospects in Ghanaian boxing. Managed by Sharaf Mahama's Legacy Rise Sports, the 2023 African Games silver medallist has made an impressive start to his professional career, winning all seven of his fights since turning professional in December 2024, with six victories coming by knockout.

Yet statistics and unbeaten records appear secondary to his main motivation. The youngster seems motivated by a sense of revenge. Ever since entering the professional ranks, he has repeatedly called out Samir, determined to avenge his father's 2017 defeat, while establishing himself as a genuine force in Ghanaian boxing.

"I am very angry to destroy him, and my managers are ready to make the fight," Kamoko told the Graphic Sports. "I want revenge for my father. I am going to punish him till the knockout comes."

On one side stands a hungry, undefeated young contender seeking to build his reputation by defeating one of Ghana's most recognisable boxing names. On the other hand is an experienced fighter who believes he still has unfinished business in the sport and has no intention of becoming a stepping stone for the next generation.

Samir's résumé remains among the strongest in Ghanaian boxing. After representing Ghana at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, he launched his professional career in the United States, fighting 11 times before returning home for his first professional bout in Ghana in 2013.

Across 25 professional contests, he has recorded 22 victories, suffered only two defeats and drawn once. If the fight materialises, he is convinced Kamoko will become victim number 23.

"He's looking for trouble," Samir said. "I don't know what's making him think maybe right now he can take me down. But trust me, I will take him down.

"If the chance comes, I will knock him out. I know I can knock him out, but you have to think about winning first."

For all the bravado, the veteran insists his ambitions extend beyond a showdown with the son of his old rival. Having spent a lengthy period away from the spotlight, Samir says his ultimate goal remains unchanged.

"I want to tell my fans not to lose hope," he said. "I know it's been a long time since they saw me, but I still have an ambition to be a cruiserweight world champion."