By Musah Abelyire/ghanaguardian.com

Ghanaian-born boxer Joshua Buatsi has found his "opportunity" in Great Britain as he embarks on a search for gold at this year's Olympic Games in Brazil.

The 23 year old Ghanaian-turned British left the shores of Ghana to join his parents in Great Britain at the age of nine, growing up in Croydon.

Buatsi, who went to Edenham High School, joined South Norwood and Victory boxing club aged 15. He soon found himself training before and after school and then between lectures at St Mary’s University, where he is in his final year of a management studies and sports science degree.

He sees this year's Olympics as a way of giving back to Great Britain for the support system he got when he arrived in the country from his country of birth labelling Britain as "a country of opportunity".

The 81kg fighter who idolises Joe Frazier faces  the possibility of boxing fighters from the paid rank at the Rio Games but insists that "when the bell rings, it's just another boxer stood across me".