by Silas Boahene | Apr 17, 2024 | Africa, Athletics, Ghana
The organisers of the Accra Inter-City Homowo Marathon have officially opened registration for the upcoming 2024 edition of the race, scheduled to take place on Saturday, August 3.
According to a statement released by the organisers, prospective participants can register by dialling 38021# or by visiting www.accraintercitymarathon.com. The race offers three categories for competition: 21 kilometers, 10 kilometers, and 5 kilometers, with attractive prizes and medals available for outstanding performers.
As part of the festivities surrounding the annual Homowo Festival celebrated by the Ga people, the marathon will kick off at the Accra Sports Stadium and conclude at the Bukom Boxing Arena.
In addition to the marathon, there will be a two-day Sports Fair preceding the event. This fair will provide a platform for sports-related businesses to network, share ideas, and showcase their products and services.
The organisers also announced plans to unveil the official launch date of the race and its sponsors in the near future.
The previous edition of the Accra Inter-City Homowo Marathon, held in 2023, saw Kooga Atia and Juliana Zakat emerge as the winners.
by Silas Boahene | Apr 17, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, Ghana, International
Joseph Awinongya Jr. Secures Championship Victory at Chicago Golden Gloves 2024
In a historic win, Joseph “JoJo” Awinongya Jr. made his mark in the boxing world on April 13, 2024, claiming the championship title at the renowned Chicago Golden Gloves 2024 tournament. Competing in the 165 lb. Junior Open division, JoJo delivered an outstanding performance, earning a unanimous decision victory against his formidable opponent, Yandel “YANDEL” Hernandez from Knuckleheads Boxing Gym.
The thrilling match took place at Cicero Stadium, where JoJo’s determination and technical skill mesmerized the audience. Notable figures such as Father Michael Pfleger, former Secretary of State Jesse White, Wasfi Tolaymat, Michael Mikuska, Tyrone Muhammad with ECCSC, and Dr. Cornel Darden Jr. were present to show their support and encouragement for JoJo.
Representing the esteemed Sam Colonna Boxing Gym, Joseph Awinongya Jr. has devoted countless hours to refining his abilities under the guidance of experienced coaches. His relentless pursuit of perfection culminated in this remarkable triumph.
“Joseph’s commitment and passion have been evident every step of the way,” commented Coach Sam Colonna. “His dedication to the sport has paid off, and we couldn’t be more proud.”
The Chicago Golden Gloves tournament boasts a rich history, and JoJo now joins the ranks of legendary champions. His victory serves as a source of inspiration for aspiring boxers, highlighting the significance of perseverance and hard work.
Established in 1923, the Chicago Golden Gloves remains a prestigious amateur boxing event in the United States, having launched the careers of numerous professional boxers and continuing to thrive.
by Silas Boahene | Apr 17, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, Ghana, International
The boxing community in Ghana, particularly experts and enthusiasts of the sport, have voiced their discontent with the outcome of the UBO Light Heavyweight Championship held on April 13. The fight, which saw Ghana’s Bastie Samir face off against Nigeria’s Rasheed Idowu, ended in controversy with a technical draw declared and later awarded to Idowu.
Former President of the Ghana Boxing Authority, Lawyer Peter Zwennes, expressed his disbelief at the decision, stating that he saw no illegal punches and questioned the fairness of the verdict. Others, like Mr. Augustus Dodoo of the United Boxing Coaches Association of Ghana, criticized the involvement of inexperienced officials and called for the use of more seasoned referees and judges.
Maurice Quansah, a former Vice President of the Sports Writers Association of Ghana, noted that Samir seemed unfit for the bout, while Nii Otoe Bruce-Tagoe, a ringside boxing photographer, emphasized that Samir’s defeat was clear and decisive.
Sammy Ofosuhene of Boxing Ghana echoed similar sentiments, suggesting that Samir’s performance indicated a decline in stamina and form, possibly due to age catching up with him. Ace Sports Journalist Sammy Heywood Okine lamented the disappointing outcome for Ghanaian boxing, citing Samir’s apparent lack of preparation.
Karimu King, a former boxer turned coach in Italy, labeled the decision a “stolen verdict” and urged Samir to return to training to rectify his mistakes.
Criticism also fell on the Ghana Boxing Authority for not declaring a clear winner, despite Samir being knocked down in the second round. However, President of the GBA, Mr. Abraham Neequaye, defended the decision, citing security concerns due to the fans’ anger.
The UBO officials, upon review, condemned the technical draw decision and declared Idowu as the rightful UBO Africa Light Heavyweight champion, emphasizing the need to rectify the injustice.
by Silas Boahene | Apr 15, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, Ghana
Coach Charles Quartey, President of the United Boxing Coaches Association of Ghana (UBCAG), has issued a rallying call for coaches to come together and promote inclusive competition that benefits all involved in boxing.
Addressing the media during the inauguration of UBCAG, Quartey expressed gratitude to individuals and companies who supported their election and induction ceremony at Dezone Beach Resort.
He emphasized the importance of the new leadership staying updated with the modern rules and regulations of both international and national boxing associations.
Quartey also stressed the need for building strong relationships with coaches across Accra and the regions.
The executive team of UBCAG comprises Charles Quartey as President, Carl Lokko of Bronx Gym as First Vice President, Michael Benjamin Addy of Grace Gym as Second Vice President, Ernest Ofori of Charles Quartey Boxing Foundation as Secretary, Vincent Akai Nettey of Attoh Quarshie Boxing Gym as Treasurer, and Ebenezer Adjei, also known as ‘Killa’, of Black Panthers Gym as Organizer. Additionally, the Executive Members include Gabriel Allotey, also known as ‘Zico’, of Sea View Gym, Augustus Dodoo, also known as ‘One Life’, and Fatai Yusif.
Their term spans four years, marking a significant shift towards democracy within the boxing coaches association, which has been in existence for over two decades. This election was the first to feature free and fair processes, coupled with an inspiring inauguration ceremony that attracted numerous veteran trainers, current champions, retired boxers, managers, and promoters.
by Silas Boahene | Apr 15, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, Ghana, International
Nigeria’s Rasheed Idowu delivered a stunning performance against Ghanaian Bastie Samir in their 10-round bout for the Vacant UBO African Light-heavyweight title at Decathlon, Kawukudi Park in Accra, Ghana. Despite Idowu’s dominant display, the fight ended in a controversial R2 Technical draw.
Idowu Rasheed displayed exceptional skill, twice knocking down Bastie in the second round, even sending him out of the ropes. However, to the surprise of fans, the fight was declared a Technical Draw as Bastie couldn’t continue after the knockdowns.
The decision by the ring judges left fans astonished, especially considering the electrifying atmosphere of the Salafest Boxing Gala.
GBA officials clarified that a technical draw is declared when a fight is stopped due to an accidental injury or foul within the first four rounds.
The event, organized by Wisdom Boxing Promotions, witnessed other notable matches including Haruna Mohammed clinching the national Cruiserweight title belt against veteran George Amuzu and Olympic Shakul Samed facing off against Patrick Soutoke of Burkina Faso.
Coach Dr. Asare, CEO of Wisdom Boxing Promotions, emphasized the organization’s commitment to providing opportunities for African boxers. Recently, they secured impressive medal wins at the 13th African Games, underlining their dedication to the sport’s development on the continent.
