11 Year Old Boxing Prince Dreams Of Winning Olympic Gold For Ghana

Prince 'The Buzz' Nii Otokunor Larbie started learning the art of Boxing at age 2 and half after seeing some old pictures of his dad, Daniel Larbie aka Nii Otokunor IV, Manhean Gyasetse..

He told his father, a former boxer, now trainer at the Will Power Boxing Gym at Jamestown in Accra "I want to be a boxer, I want to be a champion"

His dad asked him to exercise patience as boxing is a very difficult sport, so he should concentrate on education to become a prominent personality in future, but he insisted his desire to become a boxer so his dad started taking him to the Will Power Boxing Gym founded by the late Napoleon Tagoe, a former highly rated boxer, WBC Continental champion. That is where his dad, the king maker works as a coach.

It was not long, and by seven years he has hit the international media headlines as the fastest youngest boxer in the world, throwing at least 150 punches in one minute.

He was featured by the BBC and was all over social media.

Daughter of legendary USA promoter, Don King, Deborah King has signed him on three years and soon he would be undertaking a training tour of Mexico and other places. He dad stressed " he is a kid so I don't want to stretch him, at the right time we shall make the right decisions".

He told Your Truly in an exclusive interview that his ambition is to win an Olympic Games gold medal for Ghana.

He also wants to help sick people to recover quickly.

Prince Larbie has participated in the Accra Inter City Homowo Marathon and placed first in his category.

He has featured in a film named after him and won laurels in acting.

He has a scholarship from Prince de Henry Educational Complex to compete his first cycle education and he is a special model for his colleagues and community.

He named English, science and mathematics as his best subjects.

Prince 'The Buzz' Larbie has made juvenile boxing popular in Ghana and he has encouraged many children to join. He is a crowd puller to the Bukom Boxing Arena.

However his dad, a traditional leader at Manhean in Accra, Ghana is making sure he combines humility, love, education and sports very effectively.

"If you know where you are going, you know how to drive safely to your destination" he said, and the destination is to become a superstar.

His hobbies are reading, dancing and boxing and his five idols in Boxing are Professor Azumah Nelson, D. K. Poison, Mohammed Ali, Floyd Mayweather and Gervonta 'The Tank' Davis.

Initially he was a bit troublesome at school, but according to his dad, The Buzz is changing and becoming calmer as he grows.

He is an ambassador for SparBar, a sports equipment company and has demonstrated to be super using their equipment with ease.

He is media friendly, bold, intelligent, attractive and ready to fight if it is officially arranged.

Currently he has 51 fights to his credit and hoping to make more records.

Prince The Buzz Larbie is the hope for Ghana and African Boxing.

His target is the 2032 Olympic Games.

"What I could not achieve in Boxing, maybe my son will do that so I have to encourage him. I will advise parents to inspire their kids if they chose something good, we are combining sports and education,  and that is the way we are going, no retreat,  no surrender" he emphasized.

So Larbie is a boxer, marathon runner, actor, philanthropist and scientist in the making. Already he is practising the sweet science.

One of his unique records is being the first guest on my show 'The Big Fight Night' after Omashi TV was inaugurated officially on October 18.

Quizzed why he is called The Buzz, he replied: "I love the bee and love their behaviour"

He has the desire, he is determined, he is dedicated, he is devoted, he is disciplined, he is daring, he is dynamic. This is the royal rising star, Prince Nii Otokunor Larbie.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Lucky Annan Ayisah Wins 2024 Memory Lane Pga Championship In Kumasi

Achimota based professional golfer, Lucky Annan Ayisah displayed real tenacity, courage and calmness for three solid days at the Royal Golf Club in Kumasi to emerged winner of the Memory Lane PGA Championship.

Ayisah played 216 during the competition period ahead of thirty other pros for the title and cash prize. Being the last qualifier ahead of the PGA’s main championship slated for celebrity golf club at Sakumono in November, the Memory Lane PGA Championship attracted thirty-one regular pros as the

likes of Lucky Ayisah, Maxwell Owusu, Ezekiel Afisco, Augustine Manasseh, Francis Torgah, and Vincent Coffie all played some fine golf on the course especially on the first two days. Despite some slight earlier showers, the well-trimmed greens gave the golfers much opportunity to give off their best. Feeling the pressure from his chasers ahead of the last and final day of the competition Ayisah came out of his shells, maintained his calmness on the course and bagged in 74 to clinch the title. Tema based professional golfer, Manasseh Augustine who pulled off some impressive performance at the championship venue finished second after he played 73,75, and 71 sharing the same spot with home-based golfer in Maxwell Owusu Bonsu.

Kwabena Poku and Francis Torgah settled for the fourth and fifth places respectively. Speaking after receiving his winner’s cheque from the Operations manager of the Royal Golf club, Prof Bernard Kofi Baiden,

Lucky Ayisah expressed his excitement on winning the championship and added that his preparations and hard work contributed to the success.

In the senior’s category which attracted ten players from different clubs saw Stephen Klah grabbed the first spot after he had played 153 for two days ahead of K .Korsah and Teye Lartey of the Center of the World club who had led from the score board on the first day. Another Achimota golfer excelled at the Memory Lane PGA Championship in Kumasi when Jessica Tei picked the ladies top spot prize at the short closing ceremony.

Miss Tei played 169 over two days ahead of Mercy Werner, Constance Awuni and Felicity Gyeabour. Speaking later with section of the media, the tournament director the PGA, Eric Henaku praised the golfers for the splendid display during the competition despite some challenges on the course and urged them to train harder for the major competition. He expressed the PGA’s gratitude to the leadership of the Royal Golf Club for their support and hope that they will extend the same courtesy and assistance when needed Operations Manager of the Royal Golf Club, Prof Bernard Kofi Baiden was pleased with the level of performance by the golfers and added that they must remain focus and prepare adequately for the next golf championships across the country.

From Sammy Heywood Okine              

Oleksandr Usyk beats Tyson Fury by split decision but is taken to the hospital with a broken jaw after his historic unifying victory.

The heavyweight crown has found a home – on the head of Oleksandr Usyk.

Usyk beat Fury by split decision on Saturday to become the undisputed heavyweight world champion. The judges scored the fight 115-112, 113-114, 114-113 in favor of Usyk.

Usky is the first to hold the heavyweight title in 25 years. The last to do it was Lennox Lewis in 1999, and Lewis was on hand to watch a battle of unbeatens in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Usyk scored the only knockdown, which came in the ninth round, when Fury was saved by the bell.

Usyk, the Ukrainian, improved to 22-0. Fury, the Brit, 35-1-1.

BBC/USA

The final tie of the 2024 MTN FA Cup between Nsoatreman FC and Bofoakwa Tano has been confirmed to be held at the University of Ghana Stadium in Legon on Sunday, June 23rd.

Both clubs from the Bono regions are vying for their first major trophy.

Nsoatreman FC secured their spot in the final after a commendable journey, including a victory over Legon Cities in the semifinals.

Bofoakwa Tano advanced by eliminating defending champions Dreams FC who reached the Semi Final of the African Confederation Cup tournament. Consequently, this year's cup will crown a new champion.

As Nsoatreman FC seeks to etch their name in history with their first major silverware, Bofoakwa Tano will aim to make a significant comeback to the cup final 38 years after their last appearance in 1983, where they suffered defeat to Great Olympics.

Beyond the coveted trophy and the substantial monetary prize, the final offers the victor an opportunity to compete in the CAF Confederation Cup, adding another layer of significance to the high-stakes match.

The MTN FA Cup Committee has planned to make the final a memorable one as fans will be treated to an MTN experience of entertainment, sports, surpirses and gifts.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

..Thanks fans for support, promises to be back better and bigger

Accra-based Nigerian Lightweight sensation Joshua Oluwaseun Wahab aka The Wealth Machine, lost the chance to win the WBC Silver lightweight title to undefeated British opponent Mark ‘The Thunder” Chamberlain on Saturday May 17th, 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Wahab was knocked out in the opening round in an undercard of the much anticipated and historic undisputed unifying heavyweight championship bout between Tyson Fury and Usyk Oleksandr dubbed Ring Fire.

Joshua Oluwaseun Wahab now has a fight record of 25-2-0-16 kos, while Mark Chamberlain improves to 16-0-0-12 kos.

Oluwaseun Wahab was coached by Charles Quartey and his backroom staff.

Assistant trainer Ernest Ofori said his spirit was down but my head was head up high as Seunzy Wahab made West Africa proud.

“Alihamduliah, To all my lovely Africa brothers and sisters, who supported me throughout this fight, I say a BIG SORRY for not being able to make you proud like I had wanted, I got caught with a clean shot which I didn’t really recover from before the final knockdown but I’m fighter with a lion heart and I know with your continuous support I will bounce back stronger, and to my opponent Mark Chamberlain,  thank you for this opportunity am forever grateful, may God bless us all” Wahab put on his social media platform.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Ghana pair Gideon Mensah and Elisha Owusu ended their season as Ligue 2 champions after helping Auxerre make a quick return to Ligue 1 in France.

The Black Stars players played essential roles across the season, capping the campaign with a solid display in the 4-1 victory over Concarneau.

Auxerre had secured promotion last week and were confirmed champions before their game on Friday, but the team waited for the coronation in front of their fans.

Both Mensah and Owusu received their medals for winning the league and are already looking forward to the upcoming campaign.

For Mensah, he enjoyed two season in Ligue 1 before suffering demotion with Auxerre last season while Owusu only return to France on January 2023 after a stint in Belgium with KAA Gent.

Mensah and Owusu are likely to make Otto Addo's team for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Mali and the Central African Republic next week.

From Wendy Naa Deide Sampah      

Richard Arthur Opentil, skipper of the national amputee football team, the Black Challenge has assured Ghanaian of victory as the go to Egypt to defend their African title.

Speaking to the media at the airport, he thanked the Ministry of Youth & Sports and all sponsors who made sure their trip was a reality.

He specially mentioned President of Ghana and African Paralympic Committee for his leadership role and ensuring that all their needs are met.

Opentil who is a defender promised that his players will do all they can to defend the title and qualify for the world cup.

He also commended the media for their support and motivation.

By Wendy Naa Deide Sampah

The Black Challenge, the national amputee football team left Accra, Ghana for Cairo, Egypt in grand style ahead of the start of the 2024 Africa Amputee Cup of Nations (AAFCON).

The team embarked on an exciting journey, leaving the Kotoka International Airport for the land of the Pharaohs, where the tournament awaits them.

All 25 players and the technical team donned the appropriate Accra2023 African Games attire for the departure through Africa World Airlines on transit in Lagos, Nigeria.

The Accra2023 1st African Para Games champions left with greater confidence in their ability to defend the trophy and qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

Coach Stephen Richard Obeng's squad of determined stars wrapped their pre-tournament camping trip in Accra on Friday.

Ghana is drawn in Group C alongside Kenya, Gambia, and Algeria.

The Black Challenge are expected to beat Gambia in their opener on Sunday, May 19th 2024 at 21:30 hours.

Ghana's Black Challenge won 2021 AFCON in Tanzania and were champions in 2023. Victory for them will see them at the next Amputee Football World Cup.

The contingent: Razak Seidu, Atsu Abor, Raymond Frimpong, Richard Arthur Opentil, Emmanuel Allotey, Sampson Larbi Sarfo, Timothy Hayford, Mohammed Mubarak, Willam Brown, Fuseini Iddi, Cephas Anum, Hamza Mohammed, Yussif Yahaya, Richard Ekwam, Isaac Kwabena Eshun, Huzair Mohammed Harmis, Ali Jarra, Stephen Richard Obeng, Abdalla Sambian Bawa, James Kally, Emmanuel Akpabli, Samuel Obeng Ansah and Abdul-Basit Imoro an administrative officer of Ghana Paralympic Committee.

From Sammy Heywood Okine     

The French Embassy in Ghana has supported the Ghana Para Athletes preparing for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

The national para weight lifting team has secured financial support to be able to go for the qualifiers seeing the potential in the athletes.

The Para Powerlifting Team led by multi talented Tahiru Haruna was facing a challenge in making it to Mexico and Georgia.

However, thanks to the generous sponsorship from the French Embassy Ghana, the team can now confidently participate in the 2024 Parapan American World Cup 23-26 May 2024 in Acapulco, Mexico, and the Tbilisi 2024 World Cup 20-26 June 2024 in Tbilisi, Georgia.

“This sponsorship is not just a financial support but a testament to our potential and the unwavering belief others have in us”.

“We say, Merci beaucoup l'Ambassade de la France” said President of the NPC Ghana, Mr. Samson Deen.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

GBA Good Will Message To Oluwaseun Wahab Ahead Of His Fight Against Mark Chamberlain

The Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) wishes Accra-based Nigerian Lightweight sensation Joshua Oluwaseun Wahab aka The Wealth Machine, the very best of luck in his fight against the British undefeated lightweight boxer, Mark ‘The Thunder” Chamberlain on Saturday May 17th, 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The two boxers are gearing up to be featured in the undercard of the much anticipated and historic undisputed unifying heavyweight championship bout between Tyson Fury and Usyk Oleksandr dubbed Ring Fire.

The GBA President,Abraham Kotei Neequaye, his board members and members of Ghana boxing fraternity express optimism in Joshua Oluwaseun Wahab (24-1-0-16 kos) to defeat Mark Chamberlain (15-0-0-11 kos).

As the statutory body in charge of regulations, promotions, organization and development of professional boxing in Ghana, the GBA wishes the trainer of Oluwaseun Wahab, Charles Quartey (CEO, CQBF) and his backroom staff in Riyadh the very best of luck in their game plan, directions, control and effective communication at the ringside.

The GBA is by this timely goodwill message wishes to encourage Ghanaians, Nigerians and Africans at large to remember Oluwaseun Wahab in prayers for a befitting victory.

Joshua Oluwaseun “The Wealth Machine” Wahab, the Ghana Boxing fraternity knows you as a credible world beater with enviable track records who is ready to move mountains and make history in Riyadh regardless of any challenges in the ring. You are the best.

GBA COMMUNICATION DIRECTORATE