by Silas Boahene | Jan 6, 2024 | Boxing, International
Promoter Eddie Hearn reveals that former two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua is highly motivated for significant bouts in 2024. Joshua, who fought three times in 2023, secured wins over Jermaine Franklin, Robert Helenius, and Otto Wallin. With Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk set for an undisputed clash in February, Joshua eyes a return in March, possibly in Saudi Arabia. Hearn mentions potential opponents, including Filip Hrgovic, Zhilei Zhang, and Francis Ngannou, while acknowledging interest from Andy Ruiz and Joseph Parker. The ultimate goal for Joshua is to secure major fights, potentially with the Fury-Usyk winner or a rematch with Usyk, as outlined by his trainer Ben Davison.
by Silas Boahene | Jan 6, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, International, USA
Ghanaian boxer Frederick Lawson is set to revive his career by facing the undefeated Vergil Ortiz in a crucial super welterweight bout. Lawson, once a highly regarded prospect, has experienced setbacks but views this fight as an opportunity to re-enter the world title contention. Having enlisted the help of renowned Ghanaian trainer Daniel Oko Odamtten, Lawson expresses excitement about the match and believes his extensive training will pay off. The bout, taking place at a catchweight of 156lbs., marks a significant challenge for Lawson, who aims to make Ghana proud with the right strategy. Ortiz, a rising star, looks to establish dominance in the super welterweight division after his proposed welterweight title bout was canceled. Lawson’s trainer anticipates a return to welterweight after this fight. Lawson acknowledges the risk but asserts confidence in their planned approach to overcome Ortiz’s formidable challenge.
by Silas Boahene | Jan 5, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Athletic Bilbao’s Inaki Williams has landed in Ghana ahead of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast. The forward arrived in Accra on Thursday, a few days later than planned due to a brief illness that extended his stay in Spain. Williams, in fine form, is set to bolster Ghana’s attacking lineup as the Black Stars aim to clinch the elusive title, ending a 42-year drought.
Originally slated to arrive on Monday, Williams’ health setback prompted the delay, but he is expected to join his Black Stars teammates in Kumasi on Friday for ongoing preparations.
by Silas Boahene | Jan 5, 2024 | Africa, Athletics, International
In 2023, Kenyan runner Faith Kipyegon etched her name in the annals of track and field history with a series of remarkable achievements. The 29-year-old shattered world records in the 1500m, one mile, and 5,000m, emerging as the unrivaled queen of the track.
Reflecting on her extraordinary year, Kipyegon shared with BBC Sport Africa, “I wrote in my diary that 2023 will be a special year and it came true.” Beyond her record-breaking feats, she clinched two World Championship gold medals and secured her fourth Diamond League trophy, fueled by a newfound self-belief.
Kipyegon attributed her success to a profound shift in self-confidence, stating, “I believed in myself more than I believed in myself years back, that is what changed.”
While her 5,000m record was surpassed by Ethiopia’s Gudaf Tsegay in September, Kipyegon’s June achievement in Florence holds special significance. Breaking the 1500m world record with a time of three minutes and 49.11 seconds, she became the first woman to complete the middle-distance event in under three minutes and 50 seconds.
Expressing her satisfaction, Kipyegon said, “I’ve been working hard to achieve, especially the 1500m world record, which was missing from my trophies because I have all the medals from World Championships and Olympics.”
Highlighting the emotional pinnacle of her triumph, Kipyegon recalled the unprecedented celebration on the track, where fellow competitors joined her in revelry. “For the other competitors to come and celebrate with me was the most emotional moment for me because I think I was the first to be celebrated on the track like that. It has never happened in athletics.” Faith Kipyegon’s journey in 2023 not only reshaped records but also left an indelible mark on the spirit of athletic camaraderie
by Silas Boahene | Jan 5, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, International
Cape Verde’s boxing sensation, Ivanusa Gomes Moreira, widely known as ‘Nancy Moreira,’ defies the odds with her remarkable journey in the world of boxing. Starting her boxing career at the age of 23, she overcame challenges and lack of financial support to achieve success on the international stage.
Despite minimal backing from her national federation, Moreira showcased her determination at the 2022 IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships, finishing fifth in the welterweight division. Her tenacity and hard work earned her a spot in the Olympic Solidarity program, which became crucial for her continued training and competition.
The turning point came in August 2023 when Moreira clinched gold at the African Boxing Championships, a significant triumph propelling her closer to realizing her dream of competing in the Olympic Games Paris 2024. Reflecting on her journey, Moreira emphasized her relentless training ethic, being the first to arrive and the last to leave the gym.
Born in Cape Verde but moving to Portugal at the age of eight, Moreira found solace and joy in sports like athletics, football, and futsal. Introduced to boxing by her brother-in-law, she initially struggled with the demanding sport but soon discovered its transformative effects on her body. Moreira’s love for competition grew, leading her to become a prominent figure in the boxing world, earning her the nickname ‘Ali Nancy.’
Her story is not just about boxing; it’s a testament to resilience, hard work, and the pursuit of one’s dreams against all odds.
