by Kelly Eric Ehor | Jan 27, 2025 | Boxing, International, Nigeria
British heavyweight Dillian Whyte has expressed his desire for a third clash with longtime rival Anthony Joshua, vowing to end the former champion’s career.
The pair first faced off 16 years ago on the amateur circuit, where Whyte secured a points victory over a novice Joshua. Their rivalry escalated in December 2015 when Joshua knocked out Whyte in the 7th round to claim the vacant British heavyweight title, handing Whyte his first professional defeat.
Their anticipated rematch, originally scheduled for August 2023, was canceled due to an adverse doping test result from Whyte. However, following an investigation that determined the result was caused by a contaminated supplement, Whyte was cleared to return to boxing.
Joshua, coming off a shock knockout loss to IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois last September, is preparing for his next bout. Whyte, eager to face him again, believes Joshua is past his prime and is ready to deliver the final blow to his career.
“If AJ wants the fight, they just have to call me. I’m always ready to face him. But honestly, I think he’s finished after his loss to Dubois. He should have taken the immediate rematch—it was his chance to avenge the defeat and reclaim a world title,” Whyte told Sky Sports Boxing.
Whyte added, “Every time we fight, it’s fireworks. Neither of us wants to lose, and we both aim to knock each other out. It’s personal, and that’s what makes it exciting. Eddie [Hearn] mentioned the possibility of Joshua fighting me next. If it happens, I’ll gladly retire him.”
The 36-year-old Whyte, who last fought in December, knocking out Ebenezer Tetteh in Gibraltar, is eager to return to the ring. Details of his next opponent and fight date are expected soon
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Jan 21, 2025 | Ghana, Other Sports
The Fourth Annual Water Polo Season in Ghana ended on a high note, following a week of intensive training sessions, seminars, and clinics designed to enhance skills and collaboration among players and stakeholders.
The event culminated in thrilling round-robin matches featuring teams like the Awutu Winton SHS Water Club and other local clubs, with the Lake Bosomtwe Ladies making a remarkable impact and adding extra energy to the competition.
Since its inception four years ago, the Annual Water Polo Season has been instrumental in promoting and developing water polo in Ghana. Under the leadership of Prince Kofi Asante Sefa-Aboagye, founder of the Black Stars Water Polo initiative, the event continues to break new ground in the sport.
Reflecting on the journey, Asante shared:
“This project has taken literal blood, sweat, and tears to make happen. Teams from the Central Region, Asante Region, Lake Bosomtwe, and Accra Arts Center have come together for the fourth consecutive year, and it’s a joy to see the growth.”
Asante also extended heartfelt appreciation to Tony Karaman, a seasoned water polo referee and coach, for his significant contributions throughout the week-long clinic.
“Tony has been running referee clinics all week and has embraced water polo in Ghana wholeheartedly. He reached out to be part of this journey, and his expertise has been invaluable.”
Despite the progress, Asante highlighted the financial challenges of sustaining the initiative, revealing that much of the funding has come from personal efforts.
“It’s a constant uphill battle, but we’re not giving up. I rely on friends, family, and my community to fund this initiative, as there’s no government support. It’s all for the love of the sport and the positive impact it has on these young players.”
Asante also acknowledged key supporters, including CAP7, Justice Outside, the San Diego community, and the global water polo network, whose contributions have kept the program alive.
The Fourth Annual Water Polo Season has once again showcased the growing potential of water polo in Ghana. With dedication and support, the sport is steadily gaining recognition, with aspirations of representing Ghana on the global stage in the future.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Jan 21, 2025 | Ghana, Other Sports
The Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) has announced that former President John Dramani Mahama will serve as the special guest of honour at the 49th SWAG Awards.
The event, scheduled for Friday, January 24, 2025, at 6 p.m. at the Accra International Conference Center, will feature President Mahama delivering a keynote address on the theme: “Gold and Glory: A Call for Change in National Orientation and Investment in Sports.” In his address, he is expected to outline his vision for transforming Ghana’s sports sector while celebrating the achievements of the award winners.
President Mahama’s attendance highlights his ongoing dedication to the development and promotion of sports in Ghana.
Since its inception in 1975, the SWAG Awards has been the nation’s longest-running award scheme, consistently recognizing the extraordinary achievements of Ghanaian athletes and sports teams. This year’s ceremony will honour over 50 outstanding athletes and officials for their accomplishments in 2024.
The evening will be enriched by a live performance from Highlife sensation Fameye, adding a lively and entertaining touch to the celebration.
The 49th SWAG Awards is expected to attract prominent sports personalities, stakeholders, media representatives, and sports enthusiasts. To ensure a wide reach, the ceremony will be broadcast live on television and streamed online, allowing Ghanaians nationwide to join the festivities.
With President Mahama’s presence and the recognition of exceptional sporting talent, this year’s SWAG Awards is poised to make a lasting impact on Ghana’s sports history.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Jan 21, 2025 | Boxing, Ghana
Hon. Alfred Kotey Ashie, Member of Parliament for the Odododiodoo Constituency and an ardent boxing enthusiast, has expressed his admiration for the progress of Ghanaian boxing and commended the organizers and winners of the third edition of the Boxing Ghana Awards. He encouraged young boxers, coaches, matchmakers, and promoters to draw inspiration from the event and work harder to elevate the sport.
He praised CEO Sammy Ofosuhene for spearheading the initiative, as well as notable contributors like Coach Carl Lokko, who won the Best Coach Award, and veteran sports journalist Sammy Heywood Okine, affectionately called General 1.
Hon. Ashie acknowledged the selection committee, chaired by Ms. Sarah Lotus Asare of WBC Cares, for their transparent and fair process. He also extended appreciation to other key stakeholders, including Alhaji Dauda Fuseni, Mr. Michael Tetteh (Golden Mike), Ivan Bruce Cudjoe of Cabic Promotions, and Box Office, for their roles in making the event a success.
He encouraged the winners to remain focused and strive for greater achievements while motivating the nominees who missed out to keep pushing. Hon. Ashie also advised the youth to use social media positively and highlighted its power to bring people together.
He concluded by expressing hope for the sustainability of the awards as a complementary effort to the Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) Awards.
The ceremony was graced by notable figures, including GOC President Ben Nunoo Mensah, former Ghana Kickboxing Association President Nii Dr. Adotey Dzata 1, Greater Accra Kickboxing Chairman Francis Okyere, GBF Technical Director Coach Dr. Ofori Asare, GBA Vice President Roger Barnor, and other boxing enthusiasts.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Jan 21, 2025 | Boxing, Ghana
President of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC), Mr. Ben Nunoo Mensah, has applauded the organisers of the third Boxing Ghana Awards, held at the Idrowhyt Events Centre in Dansoman last Saturday.
Describing the initiative as commendable, he emphasized its role in inspiring boxers to excel. Mr. Mensah, also known as Nii Kojo Ashiefie Papanyira I, the Development Chief of the Ga State, extended his congratulations to all nominees and winners.
He highlighted the significance of technology in the nomination process, which was conducted online through platforms such as Facebook, X, and Instagram, encouraging the positive use of the Internet.
Joseph Commey was celebrated for clinching the ultimate title of Boxing Personality of the Year. Commey represented Ghana at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, where he earned a silver medal after falling ill ahead of the gold-medal match. He redeemed himself by winning gold at the 2023 African Games and recently claimed the UBO Africa Lightweight Championship title. Commey has also been nominated for the upcoming Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) Awards, set to take place on Saturday at the Accra International Conference Centre.
The event was graced by Sakaman Mankralo and Shipi of Sempe, Nii Dr. Adotey Dzata I, a former President of Ghana Kickboxing, who urged boxers to maintain rigorous training for global success.
Hon. Alfred Kotey Ashie, the newly elected MP for Odododiodoo and a patron of Bronx Gym, also attended. He emphasized the need for corporate support to develop boxing in Ghana.
The ceremony brought together winners, nominees, and supporters, showcasing unity and enthusiasm within the boxing community.
