by Kelly Eric Ehor | Oct 22, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, International, Nigeria, Other Sports
IBF heavyweight world champion Daniel Dubois has returned to the UK after a three-week vacation in Brazil, where he took time to recharge before his upcoming boxing challenges. In a recent interview with Box Nation, Dubois expressed his eagerness to face the top contenders in the heavyweight division, including a potential rematch with Anthony Joshua. Reflecting on his recent victories and his journey as a champion, Dubois emphasized his focus on bigger fights, including a rematch with Oleksandr Usyk and a possible showdown with Tyson Fury. Dubois left a clear message for Joshua, stating he is ready for a rematch and determined to prove himself as the king of the heavyweight division.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Oct 21, 2024 | Africa, Athletics, Ghana, Other Sports
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has commended the Ghana Armwrestling Federation (GAF) for its impressive growth and international success, urging corporate Ghana to support the sport’s continued development. In a meeting with GAF, the President highlighted armwrestling’s potential to promote healthy living, youth development, and national pride.
He praised the federation for its achievements, particularly during the African Games, and called for partnerships from businesses to further develop the sport. President Akufo-Addo specifically lauded Charles Osei Asibey, GAF President, for his leadership since 2016, and athlete Grace Minta for her outstanding contributions.
GAF President Asibey thanked the President for his support and reaffirmed the federation’s commitment to developing grassroots talent and producing champions. The President also directed the Minister for Youth and Sports to collaborate with GAF to boost the sport’s growth and announced plans for a dedicated armwrestling training center in Accra.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Oct 21, 2024 | Africa, Basketball, Ghana, Other Sports
The Spintex Knights Sporting Club, Ghana’s first-ever team to reach the Elite 16 of the Basketball Africa League (BAL), is making an urgent appeal for support from the government and corporate sponsors. As the team prepares for the next stage of the prestigious continental competition, set to take place in Côte d’Ivoire from November 5 to 10, 2024, they face mounting financial challenges despite their historic accomplishment.
The Knights, who finished second in Group F during the qualifying rounds in Libya, are Greater Accra Basketball League champions. Co-founder Dr. Eric Opoku voiced his disappointment over the lack of backing from Ghana’s Ministry of Youth and Sports at a press conference in Accra, calling for immediate assistance.
“We have not received any support from the Ministry, which is disheartening, given the significance of our achievement. This young, talented team is representing Ghana on the international stage and deserves the nation’s backing,” Dr. Opoku remarked.
He called on both the government and corporate organizations to provide the financial and logistical support necessary for the Knights’ continued success. Head coach Serlorm Thomas expressed the team’s determination to secure a spot in the main BAL tournament, stating that their Elite 16 qualification marked a significant milestone in their journey.
Captain Elvis Pobi Siaw, known as ‘Arrow,’ exuded confidence in the team’s potential, stating, “This qualification is a chance for redemption, and we’re ready to give it our all in the next stage.” Top scorer James Amotoe echoed this sentiment, emphasizing his focus on helping the team achieve success in the upcoming matches.
Though the Spintex Knights have garnered support from individual contributors, including Dr. Opoku’s family and NASCO, they require more extensive backing to thrive at this critical stage. The team’s achievements have ignited excitement among Ghanaian basketball fans, and with the proper resources, they are on the cusp of securing their place among Africa’s elite basketball teams.
As the November 5 deadline approaches, the Knights are launching a fundraising campaign, calling on Ghana to rally behind them in their quest for continental success. The BAL, Africa’s premier basketball competition launched in partnership with the NBA, represents a tremendous opportunity for the Knights to make history and elevate Ghanaian basketball to new heights.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Oct 21, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Other Sports
Achimota-based golfer Lucky Annan Ayisah displayed exceptional skill and determination to win the Memory Lane PGA Championship at the Royal Golf Club in Kumasi. Ayisah finished with a total score of 216, surpassing thirty other competitors over the three-day tournament to secure the title and a cash prize.
The event, a key qualifier for the upcoming PGA Championship in November at the Celebrity Golf Club, attracted top players such as Maxwell Owusu, Augustine Manasseh, and Francis Torgah. Despite challenging weather conditions, Ayisah’s composed final round of 74 ensured his victory, while Augustine Manasseh and Maxwell Owusu Bonsu tied for second place.
In the senior division, Stephen Klah emerged victorious with a score of 153, while Achimota’s Jessica Tei claimed the women’s title with a score of 169.
PGA Tournament Director Eric Henaku praised the golfers for their excellent performances, encouraging them to continue preparing for future competitions. Royal Golf Club’s Operations Manager, Prof. Bernard Kofi Baiden, also applauded the players and urged them to stay focused for upcoming events.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Oct 21, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, Ghana, Other Sports
Prince “The Buzz” Nii Otokunor Larbie, a promising 11-year-old boxer from Ghana, began his journey in the sport at just two and a half years old. Inspired by photos of his father, Daniel Larbie, a former boxer and current trainer at the Will Power Boxing Gym in Jamestown, Accra, Prince expressed his desire to become a champion.
Despite his father’s initial encouragement to focus on education, Prince was determined to pursue boxing. By age seven, he had already made international headlines as the fastest young boxer, able to throw 150 punches in one minute. His talent attracted attention from renowned figures like Deborah King, daughter of legendary promoter Don King, who signed him for a three-year deal.
Now with 51 fights to his name, Prince dreams of winning an Olympic gold medal for Ghana at the 2032 Games. Beyond boxing, he has also competed in marathons, starred in films, and earned a scholarship for his academic excellence. His favorite subjects include English, Science, and Mathematics.
Under the guidance of his father, a traditional leader, Prince is balancing his boxing career with education, community work, and royalty. He has also become an ambassador for SparBar, a sports equipment company. His five boxing idols are Azumah Nelson, D.K. Poison, Muhammad Ali, Floyd Mayweather, and Gervonta Davis. With his hard work, discipline, and passion, Prince “The Buzz” Larbie is set to become a future star of African boxing.
