by Kelly Eric Ehor | Nov 7, 2024 | Boxing, Ghana, Other Sports
Francis Okyere, popularly known as Franko and the chairman of the Greater Accra Regional Kickboxing Association, has pledged a resurgence for the sport of kickboxing in the region. In an exclusive interview with Sammy Heywood Okine, the former fighter turned administrator expressed optimism about the future of kickboxing in Ghana, despite a recent lull.
“We have talented fighters in Ghana; our main challenge has been the lack of events and promotions,” he emphasized.
Okyere highlighted the need for greater support for kickboxing, a sport he believes holds great potential. He also called on companies to back the sport financially, enabling eager fighters to showcase their skills. Additionally, he expressed gratitude to past leaders of the Ghana Kickboxing Association, including the late Col Sharpe, Nii Adotey Dzata I, and Raja, for their contributions.
Promising a brighter future, Okyere hinted at advanced plans to elevate kickboxing as one of Ghana’s premier sports. He noted that with Greater Accra as the hub of the nation’s sports activities, kickboxing in the region is set to gain new momentum and a refreshed direction.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Nov 7, 2024 | Africa, Athletics, Ghana, Other Sports
President of the Ghana University Sports Association (GUSA), Shaibu Ibrahim Tanko, has emphasized the need for greater investment in sports infrastructure at the University of Cape Coast (UCC) as it prepares to host the upcoming 28th GUSA Games. During the event launch at UCC, which included the unveiling of the official mascot and logo, Tanko praised UCC’s commitment and top-notch sports facilities, while advocating for continued improvements.
He stressed that these facilities should not only meet the standards for competitions but also serve as training grounds to inspire and nurture athletes who may become national sports icons. Tanko applauded UCC’s dedication to student sports, underscoring the significance of well-developed facilities in fostering athletic excellence.
The 28th GUSA Games, set to run from January 5 to 18, 2025, will carry the theme “Repositioning University Sports for National Development.” In the previous edition, hosted by Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), the University of Education, Winneba (UEW) took the championship title with an impressive haul of medals.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Nov 7, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, International, Other Sports
Algerian boxer and Paris Olympics gold medallist Imane Khelif has initiated legal action following a leaked medical report that questions her gender, despite the International Olympic Committee (IOC) previously supporting her eligibility. This recent leak in French media suggests that Khelif, 25, may be male—a claim she has strongly contested in court.
The IOC confirmed on Wednesday that Khelif is seeking legal recourse against individuals who commented on her gender during the 2024 Paris Olympics and is preparing further legal action concerning this latest report. “The IOC will not comment while legal action is ongoing, or on media reports about unverified documents whose origin cannot be confirmed,” the IOC stated.
The gender controversy first surfaced during the Paris Olympics after Khelif’s swift 46-second victory over Italian boxer Angela Carini, who withdrew from the fight due to a bloody nose. High-profile individuals, including author JK Rowling, questioned Khelif’s eligibility, leading to online harassment. In response, Khelif filed complaints regarding the abuse she endured. The IOC, however, emphasized her previous participation in the Tokyo Olympics and events sanctioned by the International Boxing Association as verification of her eligibility to compete in the women’s category.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Nov 7, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, Ghana, International, Nigeria, Other Sports
Ghana’s renowned boxing referee, Mr. Roger Barnor, is set to lead a referee and judges training course in Lagos, Nigeria, from November 5th to 8th. Organized under the auspices of the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBBofC) chaired by Dr. Rafiu Oladipo, the course will take place at the Brai Ayonote Boxing Complex, National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos. Mr. Barnor is eager to share his expertise, expressing enthusiasm about contributing to the growth of Nigerian boxing, which has shown promising progress in both amateur and professional levels.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Nov 7, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, Ghana, Other Sports
Tokyo 2020 Olympic bronze medalist Samuel “Ring Warrior” Takyi and several other top professional boxers showcased their fighting spirit at the recent face-off for the “Street 2 Champions” boxing tournament. Held on Tuesday at Accra’s Centre Point Mall, the event was the official launch of this unique program designed to support youth empowerment through boxing.
The tournament, set for November 16, will see more than 100 amateur fighters competing across three divisions, beginning with a round of 16 knockout format. Presented by ACE Power Promotions, the competition gives young athletes a chance to prove themselves, with winners moving up the ranks and vying for the ultimate prize of a managerial or promotional deal with international partners.
In addition to the amateur bouts, the event will feature exciting professional fights. Holy “Jaw Breaker” Dorgbertor will defend his IBF Continental Africa featherweight title against Benin’s Aliou Clement Loko. Samuel “Ring Warrior” Takyi, Mohammed “Golden Star” Aryeetey, the recent gold medalist from Accra 2023, and Ghana’s super lightweight champion, Samuel “No Chance” Quaye, will also be in action.
At Tuesday’s launch, Takyi faced off with his opponent Emmanuel Quartey for their scheduled 8-round lightweight clash, while Quaye and Michael “One Bullet” Ansah, who previously fought for the national title, exchanged heated words in the afternoon sun.
The launch event was attended by dignitaries including Bhagwan Asnani, CEO of Centre Point Mall, Cake City Ghana’s CEO Madam Theresa Naa Ayorkor Sowah, ACE Power Promotions’ Kizito Akudago, Centre Point Mall’s Marketing Manager Derrick Afriyie, and Head of Operations Kumar Asnani. “Hosting fight tournaments like this is meaningful,” Asnani said, “because it helps empower young people, provides them with positive outlets, and keeps them off the streets. We welcome everyone to spread the message and join us.”
