On Saturday, December 28, the Bukom Boxing Arena hosted the last boxing programme, ‘Clash of the Titans’ for 2024 on a promising note as new promoters Nana’s Promotions and Onelife Boxing staged an interesting bill featuring some rising stars.
Although the venue was not full as compared to the Sharaf Mahama Foundation Legacy Rise event, it was moderate and the boxers gave good accounts seeing the return of veteran Abdul Malik Jabir, ‘the Bukom Snake’ who won against young Enoch Lamptey.
National flyweight champion, Theo Lopez Allotey got his seventh pro victory, while female pugilist Leticia Amanua Ankrah also won her fifth bout without defeat.
Isaac Dowuana aka ‘Zongo Fire’ of the Bronx Gym hit 11-4-0 after defeating Youssef Ali in another hot bout, while Henry Malm (9-0-0) demolished his senior opponent Justice Addy (17-12-1) in a thrilling encounter.
Daniel Otoo defeated Vandorf Okrah by split decision to improve his record to 6-2-0. Isaac Kakraba improved to 6-0-0, while Clinton Nana Adjei of the Wisdom Gym also won to increase his record to 5-1-0.
UAE based Ghanaian Charles Zimaal, won via round 7 TKO against Stephen Abbey in an 8 round contest.
The year 2024 has been eventful with exciting promotions, despite pressure mounted on the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) to produce a world champion.
Aside the Ghana Boxing League hosted by Max TV and their sponsors, other promoters like Ayitey Powers, Osibor, Ace Power, Box Office, Cabic, Shiatse and others have tried to offer some entertainment and boxing business.
Some Ghanaian boxers also went out to fight outside the country, returning with mixed results. While most lost due to several factors like late visa acquisitions and weather conditions, others like John Laryea made the nation proud by winning in the USA.
The season saw the display of stylish boxers like Daniel Gorsh and Faisal Abubakar winning and defending their WBO Africa belts. Abigail Quartey of the Black Panthers Gym won the WIBF title, a great feat for the nation and Africa.
In the amateur ranks, Ghana went to the IBA World Youth Championships to gain exposure and experience.
The 13th African Games held in Ghana also yielded four gold, one silver and two medals.
It has not been bad, however there is the need for hard and serious work by the Ghana Boxing Federation (GBF).
On a sad not Ghana lost the first African Olympic medalist, Clement Ike Quartey Snr. who won silver in 1960 in Rome and there are suggestions that a monument be built in his memory.
By Sammy Heywood Okine
More Stories
Olla Williams (Gas Man) calls on Ga Adangbe authorities to honour Shatta Wale
Armand Mondo Duplantis and Simone Biles crowned AIPS Champions of 2024 – as voted by 518 journalists from 111 countries
Saaduon wins Tizza Community Football Gala Trophy by beating Naayibog Warriors 1-0