By Chris Glover

Newly crowned IBF world lightweight champion Richard Commey returned to his native Ghana to a hero's welcome, which saw thousands of people cram the streets of Bukom to celebrate the homecoming of their champion.

Commey dismantled game Russian Isa Chaniev within two rounds to claim the IBF world lightweight strap in Texas on February 2 and is already being lined up to face pound for pound star Vasyl Lomachenko in his next outing. Unfortunately, that fight may have to be put on the shelf temporarily, as Commey nurses a hand injury sustained in the Chaniev fight.

The Ghanaian puncher reflected on his world title victory and discussed the potential clash with Lomachenko and the current state of his hand.

Commey said, "Firstly I owe everything to God. He has put me in the position to become successful and be around great people who have helped me reach my potential in becoming a world champion. I am also so grateful to my manager Michael Amoo-Bediako Snr, my promoter Lou DiBella and my trainer Andre Rozier and all of the team for helping me achieve my dream in becoming champion of the world.

"I felt I boxed well in the Chaniev fight, but I know that I can be better than that and I will continue to improve under the guidance of my training team headed up by Andre Rozier. Lomachenko is a great fighter and when we clash it will be a great fight., but he hasn't felt power like mine before, and I believe that I can beat him in explosive style."

Commey continued, opening up about his hand injury sustained against Chaniev, "I felt something go in my hand in round one, and it began to hurt more and more as the fight went on. I am still in a bit of pain, but my focus is to let my hand heal and then start preparing for whatever is next.

"I will let my manager Michael Amoo-Bediako Snr tell me who I am fighting next. It will be a big fight and I can guarantee it will be another explosive Richard Commey victory."

The new IBF World Champion was paraded through the streets of Bukom upon his arrival back in his native Ghana. Commey elaborated on the emotion felt returning home as world champion.

He said, "It was one of the best days of my life coming back to Ghana and seeing people filling the streets for me. I am so proud I have made these people happy by becoming world champion, and I hope I can inspire people not just in Ghana but the world over that you can be successful if you work hard, surround yourself with good people and stay true to yourself."