by Kelly Eric Ehor | Nov 4, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, Ghana, Other Sports
Ayitey Powers Promotions has announced the gate fees for its upcoming event, “Battle of the Beasts,” which will feature two national title fights on Saturday, November 23, at the Bukom Boxing Arena.
Michael Nii Ayitey Okine, popularly known as “Powers,” the former boxer who competed in the UK and Australia, revealed the ticket prices: VVIP at 5,000 GHC, Ringside at 1,500 GHC, and Popular Stand at 50 GHC. As the current President and Spokesman for Ghanaian boxers, Powers emphasized that VVIP guests will enjoy exclusive servings of drinks and kebabs. He also stressed the importance of respecting boxers, ensuring that all fighters on his bill will be well-compensated.
The main event will feature a clash between former Ghana National Cruiserweight Champion Jacob Dickson, nicknamed “The Beast,” from Bronx Gym, and reigning champion Haruna Mohammed, known as “Thunder,” from Wisdom Gym. Both Accra-based fighters have engaged in fierce exchanges leading up to this event, promising a thrilling battle to determine the true champion in the cruiserweight division.
With a record of 13-1-0, Dickson hails from Jamestown, while Mohammed has fought five bouts, with just one loss. The stakes are equally high for the second title fight—a rematch for the national super middleweight title. This bout pits Enest Akushey, aka “Baubali,” against Elvis Ahorgah, known as “Soldier Boxer.” Their previous fight ended in controversy due to a cut glove, leading the Ghana Boxing Authority to reschedule the bout for November 23. Baubali has stated that he will retire from boxing if he loses this time.
The night promises even more excitement with additional bouts and musical and dance performances. Ben Ankrah and Stephen Cofie, known for their bold claims, are expected to bring extra excitement, potentially stealing the spotlight from the main events.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Nov 4, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, Ghana, International, Other Sports, USA
John Abaja Laryea, known as the “Expensive Boxer” and current WBO Africa Featherweight Champion, recently shared his admiration for American boxing legends Floyd Mayweather and Terence Crawford. Before heading to Orlando, Laryea revealed in an exclusive interview that he often watches and learns from these undefeated icons, whose careers offer him valuable life and professional lessons beyond those from his own trainer, Coach Carl Lokko, and manager Sammy Anim Addo.
With a perfect record in his first U.S. fight and undefeated in 14 bouts overall, Laryea remains focused on his journey to becoming one of the world’s top boxers. “I am still learning and committed to my training as I pursue greatness,” he said.
Apart from his career ambitions, Laryea expressed a deep connection to the children in his Bukom and Jamestown community, encouraging parents to invest in their children’s futures. Reflecting on his past, Laryea credited Coach Lokko and Sammy Anim Addo with guiding him away from a potentially troubled path, a change he attributes to divine luck and patience. “Rushing leads to crashing,” he advised his Bronx Boxing Club teammates.
He also thanked his international manager, Peter Kahn, for providing essential moral support.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Nov 4, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Other Sports
Christophe De Jenlis has emerged victorious in the Accra leg of the Turkish Airlines World Golf Cup, held at the Achimota Golf Club. Scoring an impressive 42 points, De Jenlis secured his place in the tournament’s Grand Finals in Türkiye, where he will represent Accra among top golfers worldwide.
Celebrating its 100th event of the 118-stop Turkish Airlines World Golf Cup 2024 series, the tournament brought together over 8,000 players across 67 countries, marking it as the world’s premier corporate golf competition.
In Türkiye, De Jenlis and other finalists will experience a luxurious week at the Gloria Serenity Resort and Gloria Golf Club on the beautiful Golf Coast. Turkish Airlines’ General Manager in Ghana, Aytekin Serbest, commended De Jenlis on his victory and thanked all participants for making the Accra leg a success. “Congratulations to Christophe De Jenlis. We wish him the best in Türkiye,” said Serbest.
At the Achimota Golf Club event, Ama Morgan and Ashish Ram Mathema took second and third places, respectively. Additional accolades went to Prince Awuley and Vastie Amoafo-Yeboah for winning the Closest to the Pin, while Christopher Mbii posted the lowest gross score with a remarkable 69.
De Jenlis and other finalists will fly Business Class with Turkish Airlines, with the support of Gloria Hotels & Resorts and Ruck & Maul.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Nov 2, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, International, Nigeria, Other Sports
Boxing icon Floyd Mayweather has been ordered by a California court to pay $2.4 million to Nigerian company Zzini Media Concept Limited after a breach of contract concerning promotional visits to African countries, including Nigeria. The legal dispute began when Mayweather failed to follow through on a 2017 agreement to tour Africa, starting with Nigeria, as per his deal with Zzini Media.
The California Court of Appeal recently upheld the lower court’s decision, ordering Mayweather to pay $1,638,542 in damages, $721,881.32 in prejudgment interest, $16,270 in attorney fees, and $285 in court costs. Despite attempts by Mayweather’s team to contest the ruling, the court found him liable for fraud and breach of contract, enforcing a financial penalty to compensate Zzini Media Concept.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Nov 1, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Other Sports
The seventh stage of the Tour du Faso saw Morocco’s Mochine El Kouraji, the Yellow Jersey holder, lead his team with resilience in a high-energy criterium held in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso’s economic capital. Covering 107 km over 10 laps, the Moroccan team showcased remarkable strength and tactics on this demanding circuit.
With Burkina Faso’s Sports Minister Roland Somda initiating the race, the action began immediately. The 59 competitors pushed aggressively, with Burkina Faso and Cameroon riders repeatedly attempting breakaways early in the race. Bouda Wahabou of Burkina Faso eventually led a commanding breakaway, holding his lead for the last laps and finishing strong with a 2-minute advantage over the main peloton.
Morocco’s Adil El Arbaoui retained the Green Jersey in the Under-23 category, while Russia’s Mamyr Stash claimed the intermediate sprints jersey, and Cameroon’s Steve Auriol was awarded the Combativity jersey. Ghana’s Emmanuel Sesi and Francis Owusu also delivered notable performances in this stage, held at an average speed of 39.455 km/h.
