by Kelly Eric Ehor | Nov 28, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, International, Nigeria, Other Sports
The International Boxing Federation (IBF) has ordered a thrilling showdown between Congolese heavyweight Martin Bakole (21-1-0, 16KOs) and Nigerian powerhouse Efe Ajagba (20-1-0, 14KOs) to determine the mandatory challenger for its heavyweight title.
This decision follows the withdrawal of Agit Kabayel and Zhilei Zhang, leaving Bakole and Ajagba as the top contenders. Ranked No. 4 in the IBF standings, Bakole is riding high after a dominant victory over Jared Anderson in August. Known for his aggressive style, Bakole declared, “I am a machine. No one wants to fight me.”
Ajagba, ranked No. 7, quickly accepted the challenge, signaling his intent with a confident “Let’s go.” Nicknamed “The Silent Roller,” Ajagba is regarded as one of the most promising rising stars in heavyweight boxing, with his precise punching and resilience earning him a WBC Silver title earlier this year.
The winner of this high-stakes bout will secure a mandatory title shot against current IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois. With Dubois expected to make an optional title defense in February and a potential unification bout with the winner of Oleksandr Usyk vs. Tyson Fury on the horizon, this eliminator adds even more excitement to the already red-hot heavyweight division
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Nov 28, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, Ghana, Other Sports
Former African featherweight champions Taiwo “Esepo” Agbaje and Rilwan “Real Show Boy” Lawal will clash for the vacant IBO African Featherweight Title on December 26 at the Balmoral Convention Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos. This highly anticipated bout is expected to be a thrilling showdown between two of Nigeria’s finest boxing talents.
Agbaje, the undefeated former West African and WBF Intercontinental Featherweight Champion, boasts an unblemished 16-0 record, including 11 knockouts. The 27-year-old Lagos native, renowned for his relentless high-volume punching style, views this fight as another step toward his ultimate goal of becoming a world champion.
“Hard work and self-discipline have kept me unbeaten, and I’m not stopping now,” Agbaje declared.
His opponent, Rilwan Lawal, brings a wealth of experience and an impressive 19-1 record with 13 knockouts. Known for his aggressive and technically precise fighting style, the 30-year-old Lagos-based boxer has already proven his dominance this year with a decisive unanimous decision win over Ojo Arabambi at the Freedom Park fight night.
With the IBO African Featherweight Title at stake, both fighters see this bout as an opportunity to secure their legacies and open doors to global recognition. Boxing fans across the continent eagerly await what promises to be an explosive contest, headlining a night packed with intense action and fierce rivalries.
The Balmoral Convention Centre, renowned for hosting elite sporting events, will serve as the backdrop for this monumental clash, highlighting Nigerian boxing’s growing presence on the international stage.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Nov 28, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, Ghana, International, Other Sports
In one of 2024’s most electrifying boxing matches, South Africa’s Kaine “K9” Fourie overcame a tough challenge from Ghana’s Mohammed Wasiru in Boxing 5’s “UNRIVALLED” event, held Saturday night at The Box Camp. The fight delivered non-stop action, cementing its place as a highlight of the year.
From the opening bell, the aggressive and powerful Wasiru, boasting 13 wins with 12 knockouts before the fight, came out swinging. A sharp left hook followed by a right hand early in the first round put Fourie on notice.
The tension peaked at the end of the second round when Wasiru’s relentless pressure led to a controversial moment. In the final 10 seconds, a looping right hand stunned Fourie, sending him into the ropes. Then, after the bell, Wasiru landed another right hand, dropping Fourie. Referee Tony Nyangiwe controversially began a count without warning Wasiru. Though clearly shaken, Fourie managed to recover and returned for the third round, where he survived with clever clinching and gradually regained his composure.
By the fourth round, the tables turned. Fourie, now fully recovered, landed a perfectly timed counter left hook that sent Wasiru to the canvas. Smelling blood, Fourie unleashed his signature 45-degree left hook, flooring Wasiru face-first. The referee immediately waved off the fight, declaring a dramatic stoppage victory for Fourie.
The packed crowd erupted in celebration as “K9” maintained his unbeaten record, now standing at 9 wins and 2 draws. Wasiru, who had never been defeated, fell to 13 wins and 1 loss.
Boxing 5 couldn’t have asked for a better way to cap off the year. This fight showcased grit, determination, and thrilling action, solidifying its place as an unforgettable event.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Nov 28, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Nigeria, Other Sports
The 11th edition of the Genser PGA Golf Tournament commenced on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, at the Celebrity Golf Club in Sakumono, Accra. The highly anticipated event features 32 professional golfers, including 24 Ghanaians and 8 international players from Zimbabwe, Togo, Nigeria, and Côte d’Ivoire. The tournament runs until Saturday, November 30, culminating in the finals.
Competing in the regular category, players will tackle 72 holes over four days, while senior and female golfers will play across three days. With 24 prizes up for grabs, the winner of the regular division will take home a cash prize of GHS 65,000, while the senior and women’s champions will each receive GHS 15,000.
During the opening ceremony, Tournament Director Mr. Eric Henaku expressed delight in welcoming Genser Energies as the new sponsor, replacing Goldfields Ghana. He voiced optimism about securing long-term support and anticipated the emergence of a new champion in this year’s competition.
Mr. Ahmed Padori, Director of Operations of the PGA, promised an exciting tournament and encouraged players to bring their best game. Chairman of the planning committee, Mr. Hans DeBeer, celebrated the increasing involvement of young and female golfers, while urging participants to stay hydrated in the warm weather. Fellow committee member Mr. Roger Adamah praised the golfers for their punctuality and emphasized the importance of sportsmanship.
Reigning champion Sunday Olapade of Nigeria, who claimed victory at the 2023 Goldfields PGA Championship after a thrilling playoff against Ghana’s Kojo Barnni, is back to defend his title.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Nov 28, 2024 | Europe, Ghana, International, Other Sports
Ghana triumphed over India with an impressive 5-1 victory to claim third place in the first-ever Junior World Cup organized by the Federation International Football Skating (FIFS) in Trabzon, Turkey.
Led by President Johnson Kwaku Gameli Kportufe, the Ghanaian team showcased exceptional talent and determination throughout the tournament.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, President Kportufe highlighted the impact of the victory on the sport’s growth in Ghana.
“This achievement is the result of our relentless commitment to developing roller sports from the grassroots level. Our investment in community outreach, training programs, and infrastructure has yielded tremendous success, and it’s heartwarming to see our young athletes excel on the global stage,” he said.
He further emphasized the role of grassroots initiatives in identifying and nurturing talent while fostering discipline, teamwork, and hard work. “We remain dedicated to expanding these programs and empowering more young Ghanaians to achieve their potential through roller sports,” he added.
This milestone reflects the power of investing in youth and grassroots development, solidifying Ghana’s position in the global roller sports arena. It also inspires the next generation of athletes to embrace skate sports and strive for excellence.
