by Silas Boahene | Feb 27, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, Ghana
Former IBF lightweight world champion, Richard Commey, is taking a proactive stance in reforming the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA). Having faced suspensions and bans from the GBA, Commey is now urging the appointment of retired boxers to key positions within the organization. The GBA, led by President Abraham Kotei Neequaye, has faced criticism for perceived underdevelopment of Ghanaian boxers and questionable practices that seem to prioritize personal interests over the sport.
Commey, 36, expressed his call for change in a recent Facebook post, emphasizing the need for retired professional boxers to assume leadership roles within the GBA. He asserted that the current situation is akin to issues faced by the Ghana Football Association and stressed the importance of giving boxers the recognition they deserve.
In his post, Commey stated, “I am coming back in a few years to run for President,” indicating his intention to potentially take on a leadership role within the GBA. Commey, with a professional record of 30-5-1 (27 KOs), last fought in March 2023, facing a defeat against Jose Ramirez in the 11th round. His manager, Michael Amoo-Bediako of Streetwise Management, cited medical reasons for Commey’s hiatus from boxing.
by Silas Boahene | Feb 26, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, International, Soccer
President FĂ©lix TshisĂ©kĂ©di of the Democratic Republic of Congo declared the nation’s intention to bid for the hosting rights of the prestigious Africa Cup of Nations in 2029. Making the announcement during a press briefing on Thursday, February 22, 2024, President TshisĂ©kĂ©di outlined the country’s ambitious plans to compete for the opportunity to host the tournament for the first time in its history.
Expressing strong support for the Football Association of the Democratic Republic of Congo (Fecofa), President Tshisékédi emphasized his commitment to preparing a compelling application to compete against other potential host candidates. The nation is set to launch infrastructure development initiatives to meet the necessary standards for hosting such a significant sporting event.
In addition to the bid for the 2029 edition, DR Congo is already gearing up to apply for the 2031 Africa Cup of Nations in case the bid for the earlier edition is unsuccessful.
DR Congo recently participated in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, where they faced South Africa in the third-place match, with South Africa emerging victorious.
by Silas Boahene | Feb 26, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Other Sports
Charles Osei Asibey, President of the Africa Armwrestling Federation and Vice President of the World Armwrestling Federation, has opted not to accept an invitation from Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia to serve on the 2024 Campaign Manifesto Sub-committee on Youth and Sports.
Despite being named as part of the manifesto committee for Dr. Bawumia’s 2024 campaign, alongside Asamoah Gyan, Asibey has chosen to remain neutral on political grounds and not be associated with any specific party.
In a statement released on Sunday, February 25, 2024, Asibey explained his decision, stating, “Mr. Osei Asibey, known for his dedication to sports development and advocacy, has decided not to join the campaign sub-committee to maintain his apolitical stance. He believes it’s important to stay neutral and impartial in his current roles within the sporting community.”
The statement emphasized the significance of keeping politics separate from sports, particularly given Asibey’s leadership positions in armwrestling at local, continental, and global levels. As President of the Africa Armwrestling Federation and Vice President of the World Armwrestling Federation, he is committed to promoting fairness and integrity in the sport.
by Silas Boahene | Feb 26, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, Ghana, International
On February 23, 2024, Box Office Sports, Ghana’s premier boxing promotions organization, sealed a sponsorship partnership with Yifan Business Services for the upcoming “Independence Eve Rumble.” This highly anticipated event features the Gorsh versus Selvi National / UBO Super Bantamweight Championship clash and is set to unfold on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, at the Bukom Boxing Arena.
Yifan Business Services expressed their delight in aligning their brand with this prestigious boxing night, underscoring their commitment to supporting young Ghanaian boxers in achieving their dreams of becoming world champions and proudly representing Ghana on the international stage.
Mr. Alex Ntiamoah Boakye, CEO of Box Office Sports, shared his joy regarding the sponsorship and took the opportunity to appeal to other companies to invest in and support boxing. He emphasized the significant impact such support would have in ensuring the success of the event.
The Independence Eve Rumble Boxing is an official program and a part of Ghana’s 67th Independence Anniversary Celebrations activities. Past editions have drawn prominent figures, including statesmen, politicians, celebrities, sports personalities, business leaders, and government officials to the Bukom Boxing Arena, creating an electric atmosphere to witness exceptional boxing craftsmanship.
by Silas Boahene | Feb 26, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, International
In a thrilling boxing match held at the Deep Sea Pub, James Town, John Zile, also known as “The Monster,” claimed victory and the title of the new LBO Africa Super Bantamweight Champion. Zile executed a formidable performance, stopping veteran Raymond Commey, aka “Chorkor Banku,” in the eighth round with a decisive TKO on Saturday.
The event drew a sizable crowd, a testament to the passionate boxing community in James Town. Osibor Boxing Promotions, with the support of Bronx Promotions, once again delivered a champion, showcasing the depth of talent in Ghana’s boxing scene.
Mr. John Manfo, a member of the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) Board, congratulated the new champion but encouraged him not to rest on the laurels of the current title. Instead, he urged Zile to intensify his training efforts with the aim of pursuing more prestigious titles like the WBO, WBA, IBF, or even the Commonwealth title.
In addition to Zile’s triumph, Mr. Manfo acknowledged the achievements of Sheriff Quaye from the Bronx Boxing Gym. Quaye’s ascent to the eighth position in the WBO world ranking positions him for a potential world title shot, reflecting the high caliber of talent emerging from Ghana’s boxing community.
