by Kelly Eric Ehor | Oct 24, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, International, Other Sports
After nearly three years away from MMA, Francis Ngannou made a powerful return this past weekend, facing Brazilian giant Renan Ferreira in the PFL main event. Despite the size disadvantage, Ngannou delivered a dominant performance that led to a controversial late stoppage. Concerned about unnecessary damage to his opponent, Ngannou criticized the referee’s decision to let the fight continue, stating that the bout should have been stopped sooner. Ngannou emphasized that he wanted to win but avoid inflicting excessive harm.
The stoppage drew attention from fans, worried about Ferreira’s safety, and UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones even praised Ngannou for his performance. Ngannou responded to Jones’s support, calling him a “class act.”
As Jones prepares for his UFC 309 title defense against Stipe Miocic, Ngannou remains hopeful for a future super-fight with him, despite UFC’s reluctance to co-promote with PFL.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Oct 24, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, International, Other Sports
Following his heavyweight title win in the PFL, Francis Ngannou is weighing his options for his next fight, which could either be in MMA or boxing. The Cameroonian star is planning to return to action in 2025.
Francis Ngannou’s Next Fight Ngannou, 38, achieved immense success in the UFC, capturing the heavyweight title with his knockout power. After defending the title, he left the UFC, receiving lucrative offers from both boxing and the PFL. He faced boxing champions Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua in high-profile matches, earning $30 million across both fights.
In the PFL, Ngannou made his mark by knocking out former champion Renan Ferreira in the first round. Now, with the option to either continue in MMA or pursue another boxing match, Ngannou remains undecided, noting that the decision largely depends on the promotion and timing. Whether he fights in MMA or boxing, Ngannou is set for substantial payouts, earning $10 million per PFL fight plus bonuses. He is also leading efforts to grow PFL Africa and ensures his opponents in the PFL receive at least $2 million for facing him
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Oct 24, 2024 | Africa, Basketball, Ghana, International, Other Sports
Representatives from Gloves for Africa, an international boxing NGO, Seun Arowolo (also known as Ugly Wolf Boxer) and Femilee Olawuyi, Creative Director and African Coordinator, have arrived in Ghana to participate in a boxing show and donation drive at Sowutuom. The organization, founded by Chuks Uwaechia, was welcomed by Ms. Sarah Lotus Asare of Wisdom Boxing Gym, which will be hosting the initiative in Accra.
According to Ms. Asare, the mission of Gloves for Africa is to empower young people in underprivileged communities by providing them with the tools and opportunities needed for success. Their visit includes donations of essential school supplies and boxing gloves, as well as outreach through boxing—a sport known for fostering discipline, motivation, and resilience.
Gloves for Africa aims to nurture future champions who can become role models in their communities. The initiative is supported by partners such as @tkoelitegym, @hastings_kickboxing_academy, @lancebox_group, and @kenthousing01.
Ms. Asare emphasized that the gloves being distributed are more than just sports equipment; they represent hope, strength, and the belief that these young individuals can overcome their challenges both in life and in the ring.
The Gloves for Africa event will feature a series of boxing matches at Wisdom Boxing Gym on October 26, showcasing talent from across Africa.
Boxing Line-up:
1. Seun Arowolo (NGR) vs. Leonard Azumah Edem (GHA)
2. Wesley Ayi Bonte (WBC) vs. Mohammed Ablorh (RBC)
3. James Okoe (GHA) vs. Fatiou Laurent Sarouna (TGO) – 57Kg
4. Stephen Armah (Akotoku Academy) vs. Henry Owusu (WBC) – 57Kg
5. Bright Okoe (BESESAKA/WBC) vs. Richmond Commey (BPB) – 48Kg
6. Philimon Lomotey (WBC) vs. Gabriel Tetteh (Seconds Out) (Juvenile)
7. Adelaide Gabatey vs. Sunday (Female Bout)
8. Caleb Mensah (BESESAKA/GHA) vs. Mouftao Léonard Sarouna (TGO) – 54Kg
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Oct 24, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, Ghana, International, Other Sports
Former national boxing champion Success ‘Brave Warrior’ Tetteh has rekindled his dreams of global stardom, inspired by the motivational words of Okuapehene, Oseadeeyo Nana Kwasi Akuffo III. Tetteh, a seasoned boxer with 16 professional fights, was in Akropong Akuapem to support his stablemate, Samuel Martei Laryea, as he presented his newly-won UBO Africa title to the Okuapehene.
Laryea secured the title in a boxing event held in honour of Oseadeeyo Akuffo III during the annual Odwira festival, where Tetteh had also won a fight in 2022. However, Tetteh revealed that his recent meeting with the Okuapehene had a profound emotional and spiritual impact, far greater than before.
Along with his team, including manager Emmanuel Koranteng, coach Aruna Mohammed, and IBF Africa featherweight champion Holy Dorgbetor, Tetteh took the opportunity to present his Ghana Boxing Authority belt to the king. Encouraged by the Okuapehene’s belief in their potential to reach the status of boxing legends like Azumah Nelson and Mike Tyson, Tetteh is now more determined than ever to pursue his world title dreams, with his sights set on conquering America.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Oct 24, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Other Sports
The Ministry of Youth and Sports has confirmed that Ghana will host the 2024 Rugby Africa Women’s Sevens Tournament from November 9-10, 2024, at the new Rugby Stadium at the University of Ghana, Accra. This marks the first time the prestigious continental competition will be held in West Africa.
The tournament, a qualifier for the 2025 Challenger Series, will feature twelve national teams, including defending champions South Africa, Kenya, and the host nation Ghana. The top three teams will secure spots in the 2025 Challenger Series.
With free entry, the event aims to attract a significant local and international audience, promoting women’s rugby and sports development in Ghana.
