by Silas Boahene | Aug 23, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, Ghana
At a press conference held on Thursday at the Idrowhyt Events Centre in Dansoman, Ivan Bruce Cudjoe, CEO of Cabic Promotions and Management, issued a stern warning to Ghanaian boxers: fight with purpose or leave the sport. Cudjoe expressed concern over the declining quality of Ghanaian boxing, attributing it to matchmakers who prioritize profit over the integrity of the sport. He called on the Ghana Boxing Authority to enforce higher standards to ensure discipline and fairness in the ring.
Cudjoe, a well-known event organizer and Travel and Tours operator, is committed to supporting boxers who aspire to become world champions. He emphasized the importance of boxers performing at their best to earn fame and fortune, benefiting both their families and the nation. Cudjoe even suggested implementing “winner-takes-all” fights, though he acknowledged that some boxers are hesitant to accept such high-stakes challenges.
Cabic Promotions is set to host the second installment of its “Big Fight Nights” series on Friday, September 13, 2024, at the Idrowhyt Events Centre. The main event will feature a Super Featherweight contest between Emmanuel Mankatah Sackey and Nigeria’s Sunday Adeleye. Other bouts include Emmanuel Quaye vs. Habib Kehinde Giwa in a Welterweight clash, Michael Darko vs. Samson Jarah in a Middleweight contest, and Kofi Dana vs. Richard Amenfu in another Welterweight bout. Additional exciting matchups will feature boxers such as Jedidiah Doku, Theophilus Lopez Allotey, Emmanuel Mawuli, Jessie Lartey, and Elvis Ahorgah, also known as “the Soldier Boxer.”
Mr. Jingles, Projects/Marketing Manager for Idrowhyt and Cabic Promotions, announced the entry fees: 50 GHC for the Popular Stand, 100 GHC for Ringside, and 200 GHC for the VIP Stand.
by Silas Boahene | Aug 22, 2024 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Victor Boniface, the Nigerian striker for Bayer Leverkusen, has been handed a match ban and fined €25,000 following an offensive gesture made during the German Super Cup match against Stuttgart at BayArena on Saturday.
Boniface, who scored the opening goal in the 2-0 victory, allegedly displayed his left middle finger towards players after the final whistle. As a result, he will miss Bayer Leverkusen’s German Cup fixture against Carl Zeiss Jena on Saturday but will be eligible for their opening Bundesliga match against Borussia Monchengladbach on Friday.
Referee Tobias Stieler did not witness the incident, prompting the disciplinary committee to conduct a retrospective investigation and impose the sanctions. Both Boniface and Bayer Leverkusen have accepted the ruling, making it legally binding.
by Silas Boahene | Aug 22, 2024 | Africa, International, Nigeria, Other Sports
In a dramatic UFC 305 main event, Israel Adesanya, despite losing to Dricus du Plessis, reportedly earned more than the reigning UFC Middleweight Champion. The bout, held at the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia, saw Du Plessis successfully defend his title for the first time, forcing Adesanya to submit in the fourth round.
The fight, notable for being the first UFC title clash between two African fighters, was significant both historically and financially. According to The Sportster, Adesanya was guaranteed $750,000 for the fight, while Du Plessis received $500,000. With additional earnings from pay-per-view, both fighters are expected to earn over seven figures, though Adesanya’s share is projected to be higher due to his prominent status and past achievements.
Before the fight, Du Plessis had stirred controversy by claiming to be the “first real African UFC champion,” a statement that Adesanya viewed as a slight against previous African titleholders like himself, Kamaru Usman, and Francis Ngannou. After the bout, Du Plessis apologized and praised Adesanya, clarifying that he did not intend to disrespect his opponent’s African heritage.
In other UFC 305 news, notable payouts included Kai Kara-France earning a $50,000 bonus on top of his $300,000 base pay for his knockout win over Steve Erceg, who earned $75,000. Dan Hooker and Mateusz Gamrot each received $50,000 bonuses in addition to their base salaries of $350,000 and $110,000, respectively.
by Silas Boahene | Aug 22, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Hearts of Oak have embarked on a pre-season tour to Togo with a squad of 31 players as they prepare for the upcoming season. Under the guidance of coach Aboubakar Ouattara, the team aims to refine their tactics and integrate new signings ahead of the new campaign.
The team’s pre-season journey follows a mixed start: a defeat to Asante Kotoko in the Democracy Cup but a victory in the Gbese Mantse Cup after a penalty shootout win over Heart of Lions. The squad is eager to improve on their previous season’s performance.
In Togo, Hearts of Oak have scheduled friendly matches, including one against Togolese champions ASKO Kara, with the date to be confirmed. They will begin their 2024/25 Ghana Premier League season with a home match against debutants Basake Holy Stars.
Here is the list of the 31 players making the trip:
Goalkeepers:
- Benjamin Asare
- Sheriff Swaeb
- Kwasi Nketia
Defenders:
- David Oppong Afranie
- Samuel Amofa
- Michael Awuah Mensah
- Kelvin Osei Assibey
- Konadu Yiadom
- Kwasi Amanfo
- Michael Ampadu
- Yahaya Abdouramani
- Hamprey Tetteh
- Ransford Mensah
Midfielders:
- Raphael Amponsah
- Abdul Aziz Nuurudeen
- Salim Adams
- Martin Karikari
- Gideon Asante Yeboah
- Yaw Amankwa Baafi
- Husein Mohammed
- Ahmed Ramzy Yussif
- Stephen Appiah Asare
Attackers:
- Hamza Issah
- Kwabena Boateng
- Mawuli Wayo
- Asamoah Boateng Afriyie
- Kasim Cisse
- Enoch Asubonteng
- Saani Mohammed
- Chadrack Belo Bingi
by Silas Boahene | Aug 22, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Asante Kotoko midfielder Emmanuel Antwi is committed to enhancing his goal-scoring skills as he prepares for the 2024/25 Ghana Premier League season. The 24-year-old, who joined Kotoko this summer following a standout performance with Great Olympics, is determined to make a significant impact in his new role.
Antwi made his unofficial debut for Kotoko in a 2-1 loss to Medeama SC during the inauguration of the newly renovated TNA Stadium last Friday. Reflecting on the match, he acknowledged its intensity and emphasized the need to improve his goal-scoring to better contribute to the team.
“It was a very, very intense game, and I will say this is just a friendly game,” Antwi commented. “We’re trying to build our team, and I ask the supporters to be patient with us as we regroup and come back stronger.”
Despite Great Olympics’ relegation last season, Antwi was a key player and is now focused on bouncing back with Kotoko. He stressed that improving his goal-scoring ability will be crucial for his contribution to the team.
“For now, I need to add goal-scoring to my game, and I’m confident everything will be fine,” Antwi added.
Asante Kotoko, who finished sixth last season, are aiming for a stronger performance in the upcoming campaign, with Antwi expected to play a pivotal role in their midfield.
