by Eliezer Ahorlu | Oct 8, 2024 | International, Soccer
“When I received my first big paycheck from Manchester United, I was overjoyed. I went straight to my dad, and he told me, ‘My son, don’t waste your money. When the party is over, the guests will leave, and you’ll be left alone.’
I didn’t fully grasp his words until I encountered some tough times. That’s when I realized that many of the friends who were always around suddenly stopped checking on me. Now, the only people I have by my side are my immediate family. That’s life.”
by Eliezer Ahorlu | Oct 8, 2024 | Boxing, Europe, International, Other Sports
Top Rank promoter Bob Arum has labeled Anthony Joshua as an overrated fighter following the Brit’s unexpected fifth-round knockout defeat to Daniel Dubois at Wembley. In the bout, Joshua was dropped four times, which not only cost him the IBF title but also significantly diminished his chances of securing an undisputed championship fight.
The loss has cast doubt on Joshua’s future in boxing, although the former two-time unified heavyweight champion has stated he will not retire. Arum, known for his candid opinions, criticized Joshua’s performance, saying, “I’ve never been high on Joshua, but I never thought he was a great fighter, particularly after the Andy Ruiz fight. Again, it didn’t surprise me. I think Joshua is very, very vulnerable.”
Arum’s remarks were largely influenced by Joshua’s 2019 loss to Andy Ruiz Jr. at Madison Square Garden, which marked Joshua’s first professional defeat. While Joshua did secure a rematch victory against Ruiz, Arum maintains that the initial loss exposed significant weaknesses in the British boxer’s skill set.
Joshua’s trainer, Ben Davidson, has also faced scrutiny, with former world champion Roy Jones Jr. suggesting that Joshua should consider parting ways with him. While a rematch with Dubois is a possibility, Arum cautioned against it, stating, “I think the silliest thing for Joshua would be to fight Dubois again.”
Despite this setback, Joshua still has options for high-profile bouts. Reports indicate that Saudi Arabian officials are interested in promoting a Joshua vs. Tyson Fury fight, regardless of Joshua’s recent performance. Additionally, a potential matchup with Deontay Wilder remains viable, as Wilder’s trainer Malik Scott has expressed interest, despite Wilder’s recent losses to Joseph Parker and Zhilei Zhang.
As Joshua weighs his next steps, uncertainty looms over his long-term future in the sport. With reported career earnings of $400 million, his financial security is assured, raising questions about the wisdom of continuing to risk further punishment in the ring.
by Eliezer Ahorlu | Oct 8, 2024 | Africa, Nigeria, Other Sports
The Omoluwabi Golfers Forum has urged Nigerians to foster unity, build friendships, and promote societal values to contribute to the nation’s development. At the Golf and Health Signature event in Abuja, Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, highlighted the significance of unity and peace for the growth of the country.
“Golf, apart from its health benefits, serves as a unifying factor, giving us the chance to interact and share ideas,” Musa noted. He emphasized that the Armed Forces represent Nigeria’s diversity and unity, stating, “The Armed Forces are a microcosm of Nigeria, encompassing every state, tribe, and religion.”
Musa also acknowledged challenges posed by external forces seeking to divide Nigeria but encouraged Nigerians to stay united. He praised Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, President of the Nigeria Golf Federation, for creating the Golf and Health Signature facility, which he described as an example of Nigeria’s hospitality and unity.
by Eliezer Ahorlu | Oct 8, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, International
Moroccan world bronze medallist Yasmine Mouttaki has confirmed her participation in the Africa Elite Boxing Championships, set to take place in Kinshasa, DR Congo, from October 14-27, 2024. Mouttaki will defend her minimumweight title after a successful run in last year’s championship in Yaoundé, where she claimed gold by defeating Algeria’s Fatiha Mansouri.
Speaking from Casablanca, Mouttaki expressed her readiness to face any challenger. “I will come to Kinshasa for sure to fight for my title. I’m ready to meet anyone to show them I’m the best in Africa,” she said. Mouttaki also won flyweight gold in the 2021 Africa Elite Championships in Brazzaville, defeating Algerian Roumaysa Boualam in the final.
The tournament will mark the seventh edition for women and the 21st edition for men.
by Eliezer Ahorlu | Oct 8, 2024 | Africa, Basketball, Ghana
Spintex Knights Basketball Club co-founder, Dr. Eric Opoku-Antwi, has expressed strong confidence in his team’s ability to qualify for the Elite 16 stage of the Basketball Africa League (BAL). Ahead of their trip to Libya for the preliminary round of the NBA-run competition, Dr. Opoku-Antwi highlighted his team’s consistency and commitment over the past few years, stating, “We believe and trust our chances we can make it there.”
The Accra Basketball League Champions have been placed in Group B alongside Elan Coton from Benin, Mighty Barrole Basketball Club from Liberia, and Abidjan Basketball Club. The top two teams from this group will advance to the next stage in Côte d’Ivoire, where four teams will eventually qualify for the 2025 BAL.
In an interview with Citi Sports, Dr. Opoku-Antwi acknowledged the financial challenges the team faces but remains optimistic about their performance in the upcoming tournament.
“For us, over the past three to four years, we have been very, very consistent and we’ve shown our work. We are confident we can progress,” he added.
