by Kelly Eric Ehor | Dec 29, 2024 | Boxing, Ghana
African Games 2023 silver medalist, Abubakar Kamoko, popularly known as Ambitious Tilapia, has revealed that his father, Braimah Kamoko (also known as Bukom Banku), is his greatest idol, mentor, and source of inspiration.
In an exclusive interview on Omashi TV’s flagship program The Big Fight Night, Abu also named Tyson Fury as his favorite boxer outside Ghana, expressing deep disappointment at Fury’s second loss to Oleksandr Usyk.
The rising star in Ghanaian boxing declared himself the most talented and popular boxer in the country and believes he is destined for global success. He credited his manager, Sharaf Mahama of Ultimate Legacy Rise, for unwavering support and motivation.
Abu shared that his journey has been remarkable, having participated in just four amateur bouts before clinching a silver medal at the African Games in Accra, his first-ever international competition. Interestingly, he views this as a family milestone, as his father, Bukom Banku, had previously won a bronze medal in the same tournament.
“I endured a lot of body pains during the Games, and my toughest opponent was the Congolese fighter who defeated me,” he recounted.
Discussing his transition from amateur to professional boxing, Abu emphasized the challenges involved, particularly the need for greater stamina and training to endure the leap from three-round to twelve-round fights. He expressed gratitude to his coach, Carl Lokko of Bronx Gym, and his training mates for their encouragement and support.
Abu also extended thanks to his fans and the community of Bukom, advising them to maintain discipline and show respect during matches at the Bukom Boxing Arena.
The ambitious young boxer, a graduate of Afadzato Senior Technical School in the Volta Region, revealed plans to achieve international fame in the sport. He listed five local boxers he aspires to fight: Akoto, Clinton, Haruna, Kamaradeen, and Bazooka, all of whom are in his weight division.
Award-winning matchmaker Yussif Mubarak Nii Armah Nanor, who was also present in the studio, pledged to arrange bouts with any of the listed opponents.
Abu disclosed his love for simple foods, naming rice and pepper as his favorite meal at home, while banku and tilapia top his list when dining out. He also revealed his admiration for Ghanaian musician Shatta Wale.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Dec 27, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, Ghana, International
Joseph Awinongya Jr. showcased his exceptional skill and power with a commanding performance, achieving a Round 1 stoppage in just 1:29 against fellow Illinois competitor Gustavo Medina. The bout was decisively halted after Medina was counted three times, resulting in a Referee Stopped Contest (RSC).
This victory marks Awinongya Jr.’s 22nd USA Boxing National Championship title. Now, he sets his sights on competing in the elite category and vying for a spot on the elite national team.
His coach and father revealed plans to head to Germany for a major upcoming event. Stay tuned for more updates on this rising star.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Dec 27, 2024 | Boxing, Ghana
The CEO of Wendy Foundation, Ms. Wendy Naa Deide Sampah, has praised Mr. Sharaf Mahama for his remarkable contributions to sports, particularly boxing.
Speaking at the Ultimate Legacy Rise Fight Night, Ms. Sampah described the event as outstanding and commended all the boxers for their impressive performances. She highlighted promising fighters such as Bukom Tilapia Abu Kamoko, Ashanti Warrior Stanley Nyantekyi, and Ring Warrior Samuel Takyi, emphasizing the importance of nurturing future world champions.
Ms. Sampah, whose foundation supports the underprivileged with donations of food, clothing, and essentials, urged Ghanaians to embrace the spirit of giving, emphasizing that it brings divine rewards.
“As part of our humanitarian responsibility, we believe the government cannot do it alone. It’s important for individuals and organizations to lend a helping hand. I thank God for allowing me to be a blessing to others,” she said.
A dedicated member of the NDC, Ms. Sampah called on Ghanaians to unite in supporting the government’s efforts to build a better nation. She is also a renowned sports producer with HSTV and AndygloTV and was honored with a WISA Award in 2024.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Dec 24, 2024 | Athletics, Ghana
Member of Parliament for Okaikwei Central, Patrick Yaw Boamah, has called on the government to reassess its strategy for preparing Ghanaian athletes for the Olympic Games. Speaking in Parliament, he highlighted the need for better training programs to improve the country’s chances of winning more medals.
Boamah expressed concern over Ghana’s underwhelming performance at the Olympics, pointing out that in 72 years of participation, the nation has secured only five medals.
“We need to reevaluate how we train our Olympians and sports personalities to achieve better results in future Olympics,” he stated.
Citing Clement Quartey, Ghana’s first Olympic medalist who won silver in 1952, Boamah lamented that only four additional medals have been earned since then. Ghana’s campaign at the Paris 2024 Olympics ended without any medals, further underscoring the need for urgent reforms.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Dec 24, 2024 | Athletics, Ghana
Bawah Fuseini, President of Ghana Athletics, has called for increased government support to help Ghana secure a medal at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. Speaking in an exclusive interview with JoySports, Bawah emphasized that winning an Olympic medal requires long-term preparation, which cannot solely be the responsibility of sports federations.
“Our medal drought has extended to 72 years after the 2024 Paris Olympics, and I am committed to breaking that record,” he stated. “Preparations for LA 2028 should start now, and the government must play a critical role in ensuring the national team is adequately prepared. Leaving this entirely to the federations will not yield results.”
Ghana’s history at the Olympics includes five medals, with four in boxing and one in football. Bawah, elected president in August 2023, is determined to add athletics to the list with the right support.
