by Kelly Eric Ehor | Dec 6, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, Ghana, International, Other Sports
Former heavyweight title challenger Dillian Whyte will close out 2024 with his second fight of the year, facing Ghanaian heavyweight Ebenezer Tetteh on December 15 in Gibraltar. The announcement was made during Saturday’s DAZN broadcast featuring Chris Billam-Smith vs. Gilberto Ramirez.
Whyte (30-3, 20 KOs) last fought in March, defeating Christian Hammer via a third-round stoppage. The 36-year-old Londoner, known for victories over Robert Helenius, Joseph Parker, and Oscar Rivas, has endured setbacks against Anthony Joshua, Alexander Povetkin, and Tyson Fury. Whyte was slated for a 2023 rematch with Joshua, but a positive test for a banned substance derailed those plans, later attributed to a contaminated supplement.
Tetteh (23-1, 20 KOs), also 36, hails from Accra, Ghana. Despite a first-round knockout loss to Daniel Dubois in 2019, Tetteh has rebounded with four consecutive wins, most recently stopping Ayaovi Agbonson in April.
This clash, broadcast live on DAZN, promises to be an intriguing heavyweight encounter.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Dec 6, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, International, Nigeria, Other Sports
Ian Machado Garry enters the UFC 310 co-main event as a significant underdog against the undefeated Shavkat Rakhmonov, with 88% of the Tapology Community Picks favoring the Kazakh fighter. However, former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya believes Garry has what it takes to deliver a surprise victory.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Adesanya praised both fighters’ technical skills and noted that fans might be underestimating Garry’s grappling abilities. Reflecting on his personal experience training with Garry, Adesanya remarked, “He’s slick and knows how to put things together well.”
Adesanya acknowledged Rakhmonov’s all-around dominance in the fight game, labeling him a “mauler.” Yet, he is betting on Garry to secure a decision win, adding that if Rakhmonov prevails, it will likely be via submission.
Adesanya also admired Garry’s mindset and journey, likening him to the anime hero Goku for his relentless determination and willingness to evolve as a fighter. “I like Ian’s journey… literally some Goku stuff. Let’s go, Ian!”
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Dec 4, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, International, Nigeria, Other Sports
Former two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua may soon find himself back in title contention. The WBC has sanctioned a bout between Zhilei Zhang and Agit Kabayel for the interim title, with the winner expected to face Joshua, offering him a new pathway to reclaim heavyweight glory without immediate rematches against Tyson Fury, Oleksandr Usyk, or Daniel Dubois.
WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman confirmed the decision, stating:
“The WBC has received a formal request to sanction this fight for the interim title, and we will accept it. We remain committed to supporting top-tier matchups, particularly in the heavyweight division.”
Joshua, 35, suffered a knockout loss to Dubois at Wembley in September and was previously linked to a rematch. However, Dubois is now set to defend his IBF title against Joseph Parker in February, leaving Joshua to focus on this new opportunity.
The WBC’s move aligns with the anticipation of a unification clash between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk on December 21, following Usyk’s unanimous victory over Fury in May. Usyk later vacated the IBF belt, leading to Dubois being elevated to full champion.
“For the winner on December 21, there are numerous exciting possibilities,” added Sulaiman. “Whether it’s a trilogy, an undisputed rematch, or another marquee fight, we aim to ensure the division remains active with sensational bouts.”
This development paves a potential fast-track return to world honours for Joshua, with Kabayel (ranked No. 2) and Zhang (ranked No. 4) battling for the interim title. Both fighters flank Martin Bakole, a formidable contender, in the WBC rankings.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Dec 4, 2024 | Africa, Nigeria, Other Sports
The Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) is set to organize a two-day national coaching seminar focused on leadership and management skills. Scheduled for December 17-18, the event will take place at the Additional Sports and Entertainment Pro Limited in Mowe, Ogun State.
The seminar, which targets Nigerian table tennis coaches with a special emphasis on female participation, aligns with the International Table Tennis Federation’s Gender Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (GEDI) Initiative. It is a key component of the one-week sports and leadership boot camp titled “Awaken the Giant, She Can 4.0”, proudly supported by the NTTF.
This event marks the third stage of the 2024 “My Gender, My Strength” program, with table tennis star Abosede Akinsete among its notable beneficiaries.
NTTF President Tikon Ishaku, Vice President Adesoji Tayo, and other board members remain committed to empowering coaches and advancing gender inclusion in sports. Enitan Oshodi, ITTF Executive Vice President and President of ITTF-Africa, has also reiterated his dedication to promoting women in sports under the GEDI framework.
Renowned speakers will deliver insightful sessions on leadership and management strategies, equipping coaches to identify and nurture talent, develop high-performance athletes for global competition, and contribute to achieving sustainable development goals.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Dec 4, 2024 | Ghana, Other Sports
In a recent interview with Elton Brobbey, Herbert Mensah, President of World Rugby’s African Association and former Kumasi Asante Kotoko Board Chairman, expressed concerns about Ghana’s declining status as a sporting nation.
This follows Ghana’s failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) for the first time in 20 years, coupled with disappointing performances at global events like the Olympics and Commonwealth Games. Mensah criticized the ineffective use of resources, particularly in football, stating, “We have to look inwardly at ourselves. A great sporting nation like Ghana is no longer a great sporting nation. The money spent on these events, especially on football, is not acceptable.”
Ghana’s underperformance at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where the country won no medals, underscores the veteran sports administrator’s concerns.
