by Silas Boahene | Sep 30, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Karela United earned their first win of the 2024-25 Ghana Premier League season by defeating Legon Cities 2-0 at the University of Ghana Stadium. Giyasu Ibrahim opened the scoring in the 15th minute, and substitute Hadi Mohammed sealed the win with a late goal in the 88th minute. Despite efforts from Legon Cities to equalize, Karela’s solid defense held firm, handing Coach James Corbblah’s side their first three points of the season while leaving Legon Cities rooted to the bottom of the table.
by Silas Boahene | Sep 30, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, Ghana, USA
Rising boxing star Joseph ‘JoJo’ Awinongya Jr., a 21-time national champion and Team USA Youth Division member, had an inspiring encounter with boxing legend Canelo Alvarez at a VMC promotional event at Tony’s Fresh Market in Bolingbrook, IL, on September 26, 2028. With Bolingbrook Mayor Mary Alexander-Basta proudly by his side, JoJo received words of encouragement from Canelo as he prepares for the 2024 Youth World Championship Camp and a potential path to the 2028 Olympics.
In a lighthearted moment, JoJo offered to assist Canelo in future training camps, showcasing his ambition and strategic thinking. Mayor Alexander-Basta and supporters from Valencia Boxing Gym expressed pride in JoJo’s continued success, as he works toward building his legacy in the boxing world.
by Silas Boahene | Sep 30, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, Ghana, International, Nigeria
Raheem “Baddo” Animashaun, a 16-year-old Nigerian boxing sensation, has captured the West African Light-Welterweight title after defeating Ghana’s Richman Ashelley by TKO in the 7th round at De-Lad’s Boxing Promotions event at the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos. With an undefeated record of 10 victories, Animashaun has now become the youngest champion in West African boxing history.
Following his victory, Animashaun expressed his desire to emulate boxing legends like Azumah Nelson, Rocky Marciano, Manny Pacquiao, Sugar Ray Leonard, Mike Tyson, and Anthony Joshua. He views his latest triumph as the first step toward becoming an undisputed world champion.
Richman Ashelley, 26, saw his record drop to 11-4-0 following the bout.
by Silas Boahene | Sep 30, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, Ghana, International
Daniel Selassie Gorsh, the newly crowned WBO Africa Bantamweight Champion, is setting his sights on becoming a multi-title world champion and securing a place in the International Boxing Hall of Fame. After defeating Benin’s Grislain Vodounhessi, Gorsh remains undefeated with a 13-0 record and is determined to continue his rise in the boxing world.
In an exclusive interview on The Big Fight Night on Omashi TV, Gorsh expressed gratitude to his team, including the Bronx Boxing Gym, Shiatse Promotions, and Legacy Fight Promotions. Known as “Emperor Selassie,” the young pugilist acknowledged his recent fight against Vodounhessi at the Bukom Boxing Arena as his toughest yet, while also expressing disappointment that his opponent did not engage more in a pound-for-pound battle.
Gorsh, who views himself as his own inspiration, hopes to be a role model for future generations of boxers. His longtime trainer, Coach Carl Lokko, who has been with him since age 8, revealed plans to elevate Gorsh’s training by relocating to the USA to spar with world-class fighters. The goal is to climb the world rankings and secure a spot in the WBO’s top 15.
Coach Lokko and Gorsh’s team, including supporters in Ghana and the USA, are excited for the promising boxer’s future.
by Silas Boahene | Sep 26, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghana striker Iñaki Williams has expressed his strong desire to spend his entire career at Athletic Bilbao, aiming to be a one-club man. Williams, who was born in the Basque Country to Ghanaian parents, joined the club at the age of 20 from Basconia.
Having progressed through the club’s youth ranks, he is now the vice-captain of the first team and hopes to continue his professional journey at Athletic. The 30-year-old forward has made over 400 first-team appearances, including an impressive La Liga record of 251 consecutive matches.
Williams has also played a crucial role in the club’s recent successes, scoring the winning goal in the 2020–21 Supercopa de España and contributing to Athletic’s first Copa del Rey title in 40 years during the 2023–24 season.
“I would like to be a one-club man and spend my entire career at Athletic. It would be a source of pride for me,” he told AS.
Interestingly, Williams received his Basque first name in honor of a Caritas volunteer in Bilbao who helped his parents upon their arrival in Spain. His family had been advised by a lawyer to claim to be from Liberia, a country engulfed in civil war, when they first entered Spain.
His younger brother, Nico, is also a footballer and plays as a forward, having been raised in the Athletic Bilbao system as well.
