John Abaja Laryea, widely known as ‘The Expensive Boxer,’ is set to make his U.S. debut on November 1 at the Caribe Royale in Orlando, where he will face Nicaragua’s Alexander Mejia. The undefeated Ghanaian boxer, boasting a record of 14 bouts with 13 wins and one draw, views this bout as more than just an international opportunity – it’s a stepping stone toward a world title.

“My goal is to be a world champion, and I’m approaching this fight as if it were a title match,” Laryea shared in an exclusive interview. “Winning here will inspire not only my team but also other boxers to strive for greatness. I’m ready to surprise everyone.”

Laryea, now 22, was trained by Carl Lokko at Bronx Gym and was turned pro at the young age of 18. He has since trained with renowned coach Don Charles, who also worked with IBF World Heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois. Laryea expressed gratitude to Lokko and his manager Sammy Anim Addo, who he credits with guiding his career.

“There’s no magic in boxing – the only magic is hard training,” Laryea explained. “At Bronx Gym, we train with dedication, which is why we have so many champions. We support each other and push each other to succeed.”

A two-time WBO Africa Featherweight champion, Laryea recently took down Namibia’s Nathanael Sebastianus, which solidified his reputation in Africa and has made it challenging to find opponents. He now sees the U.S. as a place where he can continue to learn and grow, competing with a wider range of challengers.