Derek Nii Asai Ankrah starts full roll as Master Score Keeper of GBA

Derek Nii Asai Ankrah was at the DVLA-SCC at Weija on Saturday March 30, 2024 to play his roll as master score master of the Ghana Boxing Authority GBA following the sudden demise of ace veteran historian, the legendary Mr. J. A. Annan.

It was his first Fight Night after taking over fully the role of Master Score Keeper, from the great and indefatigable teacher and coach, the late Mr J.A. Annan.

Derek said on his social media “Uncle JA wherever you are, I say thank you, cos it was cool and collected. Delivered a good job as a Master Score Keeper.

Boxing is my next big thing!!!

Derek Ankrah, a Banker, is a member of the GBA Communications and Media Team.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Bergins Outreach, a trailblazer in sports development, has launched a groundbreaking initiative to bolster tennis clubs across Ghana with essential equipment, including gear for the increasingly popular sport of pickleball.

In a move aimed at advancing sports development in the nation, Bergins Outreach has extended its support to several tennis clubs, including the St. Francis Tennis Club in Ashaiman, Adabraka Tennis Club, Ho Tennis Club, and Atomic Tennis Club. The donation encompasses a wide range of equipment, from rackets and tennis balls to shoes, apparel, and other essential materials crucial for training and fostering the growth of the sport.

Gina Asiedu-Ofei, CEO of Bergins Outreach, expressed her enthusiasm for the initiative, highlighting the global surge in pickleball's popularity. "Pickleball has captured the attention of nations worldwide, and we are thrilled to witness Ghana's embrace of the sport," she said. "Our objective is not only to nurture the talents of our youth but also to witness Ghana shine on the international pickleball stage."

Francis Mainoo, Head Coach of St. Francis Tennis Academy, conveyed his gratitude to Bergins Outreach for their consistent support, noting the positive impact on the club and its players. Similarly, Yaw Adjei Agyepong, Vice Chairman of Atomic Tennis Club, praised Bergins Outreach for their generous contribution, acknowledging its role in fostering the development of young players.

With Bergins Outreach's assistance, tennis clubs in Ghana are poised to enhance their training programs and compete at a higher level in both pickleball and tennis. This initiative marks a significant stride in the nation's sports development journey, highlighting the importance of community-driven efforts in nurturing athletic talent and fostering a culture of excellence.

From Enoch TV Africa Sports

Ghana Boxing was great at the last Olympic Games in Tokyo 2020, where Samuel Takyi won bronze for Ghana and Africa, however all has not been smooth for the Black Bombers, the national Boxing team of Ghana to make it to Paris 2024.

The seven Bombers who grabbed medals at the 13th African Games have shown that they can perform when given the opportunity so they must be prepared well to have the mentality of winning. They must be exposed and they must feel the experience.

Golden Bombers

Golden Warrior Samuel Takyi, Golden Star Mohammed Aryeetey, Golden Boy Amadu Mohammed and Golden Jaguar Joseph Commey, Silver star Abu Kamoko, Theophilus Allotey, bronze bomber and Janet Acquah (Hitter), the only female bronze medal winner must be given the chance to travel to Thailand and qualify for Paris 2024, because we need it. The event is between May 23 and June 3, 2024.

After the first World Olympic Boxing Qualifying Event in Italy, there is the second and last chance in Thailand and Boxing is going to be a real tough competition at the 2024 Olympic Games.

Qualifications

There are three qualification options for all National Federations during the process to get spots for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The qualification process will be finalized in the first days of June 2024, nearly two months before the start of the Olympics.

Europe

The European Games was the first qualifier for the Olympics in Poland and seventeen countries bagged at least one quota for Paris. Host of the next year’s Olympic Games, France, Turkey and Ireland were the most successful nations with their seven, six and five tickets to the French capital.

Africa

The African Olympic Boxing Qualifier was held in Dakar, Senegal on September 9-15, and it replaced the African Games.

Asia

The Asian Games was postponed from 2022 to 2023 to September. The first Asian Qualifier took place in Hangzhou, China from September 23 until October 7 and the number of the available quotas is 34.

PanAmerica

The strong Panamerican Games featured in Santiago de Chile at the end of October while the Pacific Games in the Solomon Islands closed the continental qualifiers in November.

World

The first World Olympic Boxing Qualifier was held in North Italy, in Busto Arsizio, near to Milan between February 29 and March 12. Altogether 49 quotas (21 women and 28 men) found their owners in the first World Qualifier in Italy.

The second World Olympic Boxing Qualifier is in Thailand’s capital to Bangkok between May 23 and June 3. The remaining 51 quotas will be shared between the six women and seven male weight categories in Bangkok.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

There would be exciting MTN FA Cup action this weekend Saturday, March 30 and Sunday, March 31, 2024 as the quarter-finals of the 2023/24 MTN FA Cup takes center stage of sporting activities.

The draw which was held at the MTN House promises intense competition and high stakes on board.

The FA Cup Committee Chairman, Mr. Wilson Arthur who owns Skyy FC said clubs competing in the quarter-finals earned the place through merit, not luck.

"When your fundamentals are weak, the MTN FA Cup will expose you; that is the essence of this competition. It is a true test of form and skill."

The victorious team in the 2023/2024 MTN FA Cup will secure the opportunity to represent Ghana in the CAF inter-club competition in the following season.

Nsoatreman FC meet Karela United on Saturday at the Nana Kromansah Park while Legon Cities face Bechem United at the Theater of Dreams on Sunday.

Also on Sunday, Bofoakwa Tano clash with Skyy FC, last season’s semi-finalists at the Sunyani Coronation Park.

Dreams FC’s game against Soccer intellectuals has been postponed due to their CAF inter-club commitments.

Mr. Arthur has highlighted the tournament's role in revealing clubs with weak foundations.

He stresses that the MTN FA Cup consistently exposes teams lacking in fundamental strength.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Ms. Deborah King, the first daughter of famous American boxing promoter, Don King has signed 11 year old Ghanaian sensation, Prince Larbie of Prince De Henry Educational Complex and Will Power Boxing Gym at James Town in Accra for the next three years.

Also called "The Buzz", Prince, a royal whose dad is a chief of Manhea at Ablekuma and coach said he is very excited and hope for the best to put himself high and his nation, Ghana.

As part of the deal, Deborah King and partners will look for sponsorship and offer the juvenile boxer a scholarship to study n the USA and also find sponsorship from big American sports companies for him.

Deborah King was born to boxing legend Don King and his late wife Henrietta King in 1961 in Cleveland, Ohio.  Growing up with notable public figures, Deborah was overwhelmed by the “daily plethora of new experiences.”  Following high school, Deborah enrolled at Baldwin Wallace College where she was a member of the National Honor Society and Sigma Gamma ho Sorority, until she transferred to the John Jay College of Criminal Justice. Deborah graduated from Jay College in 1983 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice and a Minor in Forensic Science.  In September 2014, Deborah earned a Masters in Mental Health Counseling from South University.

She represents professional athletes and celebrities as a preeminent international sports and entertainment manager.

After graduation, Dr. D. King assisted her father as a consultant at Don King Productions.  She later became a sports manager for various boxing champions and went on to become the youngest recipient of the “Manager of the Year” award from the International Boxing Federation.  Switching gears, Deborah became an entertainment manager and founded Deb-b King Management which managed both entertainers and professional athletes.  Dr. D. King was an instrumental force in the Ice Breaker Tour, featuring the late Tupac Shakur, The Ghetto Boys Reunion Tour, and Bad Boy Entertainment Tour (featuring Notorious BIG) in Cleveland, Ohio.

As a Board-Certified National Recovery Coach and Interventionist, Dr. D King founded Limitless Life Recovery and Holistic Group.

Through Limitless Life Recovery, Dr. D. King is helping high profile individuals, star athletes and people from all walks of life overcome the demons of chemical and alcohol addiction as well as mental illness.  She evaluates each client’s situation, assesses the degree of severity, and formulates a plan to help them find the inner strength to solve their own problems.

Dr. D. King is also the President of It Takes A Life To Save A Life Foundation, Inc., a not for profit, 501c3 organization with a mission to promote the preservation of life and to help those in need through comprehensive management and treatment of mental health, addiction and recovery issues.

Dr. D. King earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York City, her Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from South University in Royal Palm Beach Florida and her Doctorate degree from Trinity International University of Ambassadors in Duluth Georgia.  Dr. D King is a recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from President Donald Trump as well as Humanitarian award from Trinity International University of Ambassadors as an outstanding leader for her visionary guidance, exceptional leadership and world class humanitarian service.

Dr. D King currently serves as a member of the Ashtabula County Community Corrections Board. Deborah’s intense passion and love for people has caused her to dedicate her life to being a change agent for the perseverance of life one person at a time.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Sensational Stanley Nyantekyi who loves to be called the ‘Ashanti Warrior’ has extended an invitation to boxing fans in Kumasi to come and watch his maiden bout in the garden city against veteran Emmanuel Quartey aka ‘Akuffo Addo’ for the national featherweight title.

The fight dubbed BOXFEST which is staged by Osibor Promotions comes off on April 2, 2024 at the the SG Mall, Kumasi.

“Please allow me to use your massive platforms to invite my Ashanti brother and sisters to come and watch. Friends and fans can also follow me on my social media handle” Ashanti Warrior said.

According to Mr. Gordon Frimpong, CEO of Osibor Promotions, they strategically want to stage the fight in Kumasi for Ashantis who love boxing and to encourage more boxers from the region to hit the limelight.

He promised a good night of action with boxing entertainment, as boxing fans will have mush to cheer about.

“Grab a ticket and let’s make this Easter Boxing Show a memorable one in the Ashanti Kingdom” he expressed.

Yours Truly was at the Bronx Boxing Gym on Thursday to see the Warrior put finishing touches to his preparations, sparring with WBO Africa Champion, John Laryea, John Zile and others and he assured his fans nothing than victory.

“I am very sure I will win by a knock out, because I am in good form and ready to win my second and important title” he said.

Nyantakyi (8-1-1) already holds the Lions Boxing Organisation (LBO) title belt and he said that pushed him high to fast recognition, however he needs the national title and from there move to other titles.

“I have already promised to win a world title and this is the step towards the big dream” he expressed.

Coach Carl Lokko said Nyantakyi is ready, focused and in top shape for battle.

“This is another good test and we hope to pass and move to bigger titles” he said.

Emmanuel Quartey (25-11-1) a former featherweight champion is also coming to rebuild his career.

Crack boxers like John Zile, Daniel Gorsh, Bismark Saah, Emmanuel Otoo, Jacob Dickson, Sampson Solomon and Jon Power will feature in the supporting bouts.

Tickets are pegged at 50gh for VIP and 30gh for Regular.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Ghana midfielder, Edmund Addo has indicated that it was disappointing when he missed out on a place in the Black Stars squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament.

Despite the disappointment, the player says he was happy for his compatriots who made the Black Stars squad for the tournament in Ivory Coast.

“Not making it to the African Cup of Nations was a bit disappointing for me because you know almost every player would love to play in the Nations Cup, World Cup, Champions League etc. But all being good I was happy for my colleagues who made it and I supported them massively,” Edmund Addo said.

The midfielder this month made a return to the national team for the friendly matches against Nigeria and Uganda.

Speaking on his return to the Black Stars, Edmund Addo said it’s always a joy for him to wear the national colours.

"Honestly my joy is not about returning to the Black Stars but rather wearing the national colours and representing my motherland has always been amazing and emotional for me,” the midfielder said as quoted on GHANAsoccernet.

WBO Africa Featherweight Champion, John Abaja Laryea has received special branded boxing equipment from his mamagement team at an impressive ceremony at the Bronx Gym on Thursday.

The Ccustomized boxing training equipment from multiple award winning boxing manager, Mr. Peter Kahn was presented by Pastor Henry and Ohene Ameyaw, co manager of the WBO titlist.

Mr. Sammy Anim Addo CEO of the Bronx Boxing Promotions said as Laryea moves to a different phase of his career it is important that he is encouraged and motivated. He thanked Mr. Kahn

He said John Laryea also known as ‘The Expensive Boxer’ has been the African champion of WBO for some time and now rated at number 14, but his managers want him to move closer to the world title, hence they have arranged an opportunity to train and possibly have a fight in the USA.

According to Mr. Anim Addo, boxing is a very dicey sport as things can change within seconds and wants Laryea to know the culture and temperature of the US before undertaking any major fight.

Coach Carl Lokko supported the idea of moving Laryea to the United States where he will train with journeymen and rated boxers.

“It would be an exciting moment for Abaja to be in the USA, we are looking towards it” he said.

Mr. Ohene Ameyaw, co manager of Laryea said experience is the best teacher, and hopes the WBO Africa king will learn more in the USA.

He noted that Ghana winning seven medals in boxing at the African Games has revived the sport in the Bukom, James Town area in Accra.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

… National Featherweight Title Promotion By Osibor Boxing Promotions

Osibor Boxing Promotions is set to move boxing from the shores of Greater Accra Region to the Ashanti Region on his up & coming Promotion dubbed BOXFEST between Stanley Nyantekyi & Emmanuel Quartey for a National Featherweight title at the SG MALL,KUMASI

Stanley Nyantekyi (8-1-1) who recently grabbed the LBO Featherweight title is not resting until he achieves his dreams of becoming a world champion as he always targets,he will be in action again to fight for the vacant Ghana's National Featherweight title against experienced & former featherweight champion Emmanuel Quartey (25-11-1) who is also here to get the win to rebuild his career back on track

“I am more focused on what I want to do on the night when I step into the ring,I'm coming up against an experienced opponent and a tough contender,my aim is to grab this chance and that's what I'm going to do when we meet on April 2,2024 because my ambitions of becoming a world champion never stops here” says Stanley Nyantekyi

CEO of Osibor Boxing Promotions Mr. Gordon Frimpong who also doubles as the manager for the Ashanti Warrior Stanley Nyantekyi says Accra has tasted much fun when it comes to boxing so he is moving his promotions this time arond to the Ashanti Region & also it's a home coming for his boxer to showcase his talent to his roots and to the world

There are other exciting supporting bouts billed on the night like John Zile,Daniel Gorsh,Bismark Saah,Emmanuel Otoo,Jacob Dickson,Sampson Solomon & John Power.Tickets are going for a cool 50gh VIP & 30gh Regular,Grab one and let's make this easter of boxing a memorable one in the Ashanti Kingdom

By Augustus Dodoo

Mickey’s Tire and Service, a cornerstone of automotive care in Joliet, is proud to announce the recent visit of local boxing sensation Joseph Awinongya Jr. to our service center. This visit marks a continued tradition of community support and mutual respect between Mickey’s and the Awinongya family.

Mike Milaska, owner and operator of Mickey’s Tire and Service, has been a steadfast supporter of Joseph’s boxing career, providing reliable vehicle service for the Awinongya family for years. “It’s more than just fixing cars; it’s about building relationships and supporting each other’s dreams,” said Milaska.

Joseph Awinongya Jr., known for his dedication and prowess in the ring, attributes part of his success to the unwavering support from local businesses like Mickey’s. “Having a reliable service like Mickey’s allows me to focus on training and tournaments without worrying about transportation,” stated Awinongya Jr.

The relationship between Mickey’s Tire and Service and the Awinongya family exemplifies the spirit of community and the power of local support. Mickey’s commitment to excellence mirrors Joseph’s own journey in the boxing world, where determination, skill, and community backing create champions.

Mickey’s Tire and Service invites the community to join in celebrating this special relationship and to continue supporting Joseph Awinongya Jr. as he represents Joliet in the boxing arena.

Mickey’s Tire and Service has been serving the Joliet community for over two decades, providing top-notch automotive care with a personal touch. Committed to excellence and community involvement, Mickey’s is the go-to service center for quality, reliability, and community spirit.

From Sammy Heywood Okine