by Silas Boahene | May 17, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, Ghana, International
Mr. Sammy Anim Addo, CEO of the Asamoah Gyan Foundation, is optimistic that John Laryea, the WBO Africa Featherweight Champion, will soon secure a world title. Speaking to the media, Anim Addo, who also heads the Asamoah Gyan Foundation, shared that they are a key supporter of Laryea, who is training under Coach Carl Lokko at the Bronx Gym in James Town, near Bukom. The Foundation aims to nurture Laryea into Ghana and Africa’s next boxing star.
Anim Addo explained that the Asamoah Gyan Foundation carefully selects projects to support, focusing on character, dedication, devotion, discipline, and commitment. Their interest in boxing has led them to support several boxers from the Bronx Gym, who compete under Bronx Promotions.
One notable boxer previously supported by the Foundation is former IBO Lightweight Champion Emmanuel Tagoe. John Laryea, undefeated in 14 bouts with one draw, is currently preparing for training camp and upcoming fights in the USA, with the guidance of his international manager Peter Kahn. Coach Carl Lokko, who previously led Richard Commey to an IBF Lightweight title, is confident that Laryea can achieve similar success.
by Silas Boahene | May 17, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, Ghana, International, Nigeria
Accra-based Nigerian boxer Joshua Seunzy Wahab Oluwaseun and his team, led by Coach Charles Quartey, recently met with World Heavyweight Champion Anthony Joshua in Saudi Arabia, gaining valuable inspiration for their upcoming bout. Wahab is set to compete for the WBC Lightweight Silver title in Riyadh on Saturday, May 18, 2024, against undefeated English boxer John Mark Chamberlain. This match will be part of the undercard for the highly anticipated main event between Alexander Usyk and Tyson Fury.
Wahab, managed by Mr. Michael Amoo Bediako’s Streetwise Management & Promotions, has been rigorously training in Accra to prepare for this global event. He has vowed to secure a victory to celebrate with his Ghanaian and Nigerian families.
Charles Quartey, President of the United Boxing Coaches Association, believes a win would significantly boost opportunities for West African boxers. Assistant Trainer Ernest Ofori is confident that they will make history. Wahab himself feels ready and determined to claim the WBC Silver Lightweight title.
by Silas Boahene | May 17, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Other Sports
Alice Nana Dearing, a British-Ghanaian swimmer who competed in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, has launched a swimming academy called Swim With Your Meaning (SWYM) at Achimota School in Ghana.
Alice was inspired and encouraged by her mother, who hails from Osu in Accra. The choice of Achimota School, known for producing distinguished international figures such as Presidents Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Flight Lt. Jerry John Rawlings, and Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe, adds to the significance of the academy’s location.
Currently, over 20 swimmers have joined the SWYM Academy, and Alice aims to increase this number to about 250 regular participants in the future. An advocate for freedom and human rights, she supports increasing water accessibility for black and female swimmers.
Alice expressed her desire to enhance coaching structures in countries that lack the necessary experience and facilities. In June 2021, she made history as the first black female swimmer to represent Great Britain in open water events at the 2020 Olympic Games.
by Silas Boahene | May 17, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, Ghana, International
Former IBO Lightweight Champion Emmanuel Tagoe has high hopes for his gym mate, WBO Africa Featherweight Champion John Laryea. Tagoe believes Laryea, who remains undefeated, can achieve greatness if he stays focused, disciplined, and committed to his training under Coach Carl Lokko at the Bronx Gym in James Town. Tagoe praises the gym’s environment, noting the dedication and respect among its boxers, which he attributes to their potential for producing more world champions for Ghana.
Tagoe emphasizes that Laryea is in capable hands with renowned boxing managers Sammy Anim Addo and Peter Kahn. He believes that opportunities for Laryea to train in the USA could further enhance his skills, provided he maintains his drive and avoids complacency. Tagoe highlights the challenges of boxing, stressing the need for toughness and perseverance to succeed, especially when aiming for championship status with all its pressures.
by Silas Boahene | May 16, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Black Starlets coach Laryea Kingston has revealed that he personally handpicked each member of the 20-man squad representing Ghana in the 2024 WAFU B U17 Cup of Nations, which will be hosted in Ghana.
Unveiling the final roster before their opening match against CĂ´te d’Ivoire at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium, Kingston highlighted the rigorous selection process and his dedication to forming the best team possible.
“I chose every single player in this squad. You know it wasn’t easy. It wasn’t easy at all from day one. From day one I’ve been fighting and fighting, putting my feet down on the ground,” Kingston stated in an interview with Joy Sports.
He elaborated, “Fine, if you recommend a player, I would like to see the player first, and if I feel the player can help the work that we are doing, why not? I’ve fought for this, and trust me, every single player that you see in the squad now is my decision. I chose every player there, but it wasn’t easy, I have to be honest.”
With the team ready for their first match against Ivory Coast and aiming for qualification to the 2025 U17 Africa Cup of Nations, Kingston’s meticulous selection process underscores their determination to succeed. Their journey begins with the opening fixture before facing Benin on Tuesday.
Ghana aims to leverage the competition to secure a return to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, a tournament they have not participated in for the past seven years.
