Ghana’s Olympic Aspirations Diminish as Samuel Takyi Faces Defeat in Italy

Ghana’s Samuel Takyi experienced a setback in the Men’s Light Welterweight Division, succumbing to Japan’s Shion Nishiyama at the Olympic Qualifying bout in Busto Arsizio, Italy. The disappointing day began with Anatu Mohammed’s defeat in the Women’s Lightweight Division against Romanian Lorendana Marin, followed by Alfred Kotey’s loss to Milos Bartl of the Czech Republic in the Men’s Light Middleweight Division.

These defeats, coupled with earlier eliminations of UK-born Ghanaian boxers Mark Kodjovi Ahondjo and Jonathan Tetteh, have resulted in five out of seven Ghanaian boxers exiting the competition. Despite these setbacks, there is a glimmer of optimism, as the team will have another opportunity to secure Olympic slots at the upcoming qualifiers in Bangkok, Thailand, scheduled for May.

Amidst the challenges, Theophilus Kpakpo Allottey remains Ghana’s remaining hope in Italy. Following a unanimous points victory against Taiwan’s Tu Po-Wei, Allottey is poised to face Bhutan’s Tashi Wangdi in the round of 16 on Wednesday. In the Women’s category, Janet Acquah is set to compete in the Flyweight Division on Friday, adding another dimension to Ghana’s pursuit of Olympic success.