by Silas Boahene | Mar 6, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, International
Samson Ndlovu, the trainer of Skhumbuzo Ximba, expressed deep sorrow and grief following the unexpected passing of the boxer on Friday. Ximba, hailing from Manzamhlophe in Empangeni, KwaZulu-Natal, collapsed in the gym after a four-round sparring session and was admitted to Hillbrow Hospital.
Ndlovu, based in Johannesburg, was not present at the gym when the incident occurred but shared details of the tragic event. The sparring was halted in the fourth round, and Ximba collapsed after his uncle, KwaZulu-Natal junior welterweight champion Lindokuhle Dlamini, removed his boxing gloves. Ximba, preparing for a scheduled fight at Boxing 5’s tournament in Booysens, passed away on Friday afternoon.
Ndlovu revealed that Ximba had previously suffered a head injury from being hit with a stick, leading to bouts of dizziness during sparring sessions. The severity of the damage caused by the head injury could have been assessed through MRI scans, which are crucial for boxers applying for professional licenses.
Skhumbuzo Ximba had experienced a bad knockout in a previous fight against Siyabulela Hem in Polokwane in June. Promoter Sandile Vilakazi emphasized the importance of proper weight management methods to avoid health hazards, cautioning against rapid weight loss for fights. He highlighted the need for trainers, managers, and boxers to prioritize healthy methods, including proper dieting.
In a separate incident, former champion France “Fighting Time” Ramabolu expressed gratitude for being alive after his bakkie was involved in a crash in Meyerton on Saturday. Ramabolu, a WBF International and Africa junior middleweight and super middleweight champion, survived the accident.
In boxing action, Asemahle Wellem retained his WBF International super-middleweight belt in a draw with Selemani Kidunda in Tanzania on Friday night, with scores of 114-113 for Kidunda, 114-111 for Wellem, and 113-113 for both fighters.
by Silas Boahene | Mar 6, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, International, Nigeria
Heavyweight giants Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou have officially landed in Saudi Arabia for their highly anticipated clash on Friday. Both fighters expressed confidence and shared insights during the Grand Arrivals event. Joshua, the former two-time world heavyweight champion, emphasized his readiness for the bout, noting that he has been diligently preparing for this moment throughout the year. He highlighted his recent successes, including victories over Jermaine Franklin, Robert Helenius, and Otto Wallin.
When asked about his apparent improvement, especially in the Wallin fight, Joshua credited different trainers and the impact of varying styles in opponents. Currently under the guidance of trainer Ben Davison, Joshua reflected on the positive influence of consistent training and competition, expressing his determination to rebuild and continue his upward trajectory in the heavyweight division.
Ngannou, who has spent seven weeks in Saudi Arabia, training at the Mike Tyson Gym, acknowledged the unique nature of his previous boxing match against Tyson Fury. He highlighted the noise and curiosity surrounding the Fury bout but emphasized that this time, the fight with Joshua is viewed as more routine.
Addressing the notion of leaving boxing after his MMA career, Ngannou expressed his love for the sport and the fulfillment he seeks by achieving success in both disciplines. He revealed that boxing has been a longtime passion and a crucial part of his journey.
Ngannou responded to questions about Joshua’s confidence, recognizing the evolution and resilience of elite fighters. He refused to underestimate any aspect of Joshua’s abilities and acknowledged the learning and growth that comes from experiences, even those that may challenge one’s confidence.
As the fighters gear up for their showdown, the atmosphere in Saudi Arabia is charged with anticipation for the epic battle between two formidable heavyweights.
by Silas Boahene | Mar 6, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, Ghana, International
High expectations surrounded Ghana’s promising prospect, Alfred Lamptey, as he entered the ring in Abu Dhabi, but those aspirations were dashed as he suffered the first defeat of his professional career. Lamptey faced Morocco’s Jaouad Belmehdi in the headlining event at the Yas Links Golf Course, with Belmehdi securing a surprising split decision victory after ten hard-fought rounds.
The unexpected loss has sent shockwaves through the Ghanaian community, especially given the perceived lower stature of Lamptey’s opponent. Belmehdi, relatively unknown in the boxing world, was considered by many as a stepping stone for Lamptey’s career progression. However, the judges’ scores revealed a split decision, with two cards favoring Belmehdi at 96-94 and one judge scoring 97-93 in Lamptey’s favor.
In the aftermath of the bout, Belmehdi expressed satisfaction with his performance but dismissed the lone scorecard in Lamptey’s favor as a “scandal.” The fight itself was marked by intense moments, with Belmehdi displaying resilience and countering Lamptey’s attacks effectively.
Despite Lamptey’s coach, Colin Nathan, urging him to stay calm and stick to the game plan, the match remained closely contested. Lamptey experienced moments of success, especially with right hands and left hooks, but Belmehdi’s tactics and accurate shots kept him in the fight.
The climax of the bout saw both fighters engaging in a scrappy exchange, with Lamptey demonstrating determination but ultimately succumbing to fatigue. Belmehdi’s confidence and swagger, coupled with impactful shots in the ninth round, contributed to his eventual victory.
With this defeat, Lamptey’s record now stands at 13-1 (9 KOs), while Belmehdi improves to 20-1-3 (9 KOs), with his only loss coming against Irishman Gary Cully in 2022. The upset in Abu Dhabi adds an unexpected twist to Lamptey’s promising career, prompting a reassessment of his future plans in the boxing world.
by Silas Boahene | Mar 6, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, Europe, Ghana, International
Jonathan Tetteh, the light heavyweight boxer known as ‘Worldwide,’ faced a setback in his Olympic dreams as he was disqualified from the Paris 2024 Olympic Games qualifiers in Italy. The Ghana Boxing Federation (GBF) revealed that Tetteh exceeded the weight limit of 80kg, weighing in at 80.60kg for his first bout. As a result, he lost the opportunity to represent Ghana, and his scheduled opponent, Schumann Kevin Boakye of Germany, received a Walkover.
Despite Tetteh’s setback, GBF Communications is urging calmness among the other boxers in Busto, Barisizo, Italy. There are still five boxers with the potential to advance, and the federation encourages them to stay focused and heed their coaches’ guidance.
In more positive news, Theo Allotey emerged victorious in his first battle, while Samuel Takyi, also known as the ‘Ring Warrior,’ is determined to overcome his Japanese opponent.
by Silas Boahene | Mar 4, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Other Sports
The Technical Team of the Ghana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) has officially released the list of players set to represent Ghana in the upcoming 13th African Games, slated to be hosted in Accra in 2023.
Comprising ten players, the team includes five males and five females. Notably, 11-year-old Israel Aklie, recipient of the 2022 Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) award for the most exciting table tennis player, has earned a spot on the squad, making him the youngest member of the Ghanaian contingent for the African Games. Aklie, a left-handed cadet player, has demonstrated his capability to proudly represent Ghana when given the opportunity.
The approved male players are Bernard Joe Sam, Emmanuel Commey, Samuel Akayade, and Ernest Mawutor Quarcoo. Leading the female team is the seasoned Cynthia Kwabi, supported by Celia Baah-Danso, Eva Adom-Amankwaa, Bernice Borley Borquaye, and the rising star Juanita Borteye, named the 2023 SWAG female prospect of the year.
James Marfo serves as the reserve player for the male team under the guidance of coaches Anthony Owusu-Ansah and Ebenezer Tetteh Annang-Whyte. Charles Tachie-Menson, Technical Director of the Ghana Table Tennis Association, expressed confidence in the team’s preparation and anticipates a commendable performance.
Table tennis matches are scheduled to commence on Monday, March 4, 2024, at the Accra International Conference Centre, following a balloting process on Sunday, March 3, 2024, at the La Palm Beach Hotel.
With Africa’s powerhouses, Egypt and Nigeria, alongside several other nations already present, this marks the first time Ghana is hosting the African Games since its inception in Congo-Brazzaville in 1965.
