One of Ghana's rising musicians, Kiaani will be among the performing guests at the Idrowhyt Events Centre on Sunday April 30th for the Night of the Stars International Boxing Bill.

The programme will feature the WBO Africa Featherweight Championship between two Ghanaians, John Abaja Laryea also known as 'the Expensive Boxer' and Solomon Martey.

Laryea is managed by Sammy Anim Addo of Bronx Boxing Promotions who has promised to get his boxer into the international mix.

Box Office Sports poster boy, Alfred Lamptey aka 'Show Time' of the Black Panthers Gym who just returned from South Africa with his trainer, Coach Eben Killer Adjei will face Nathan Kalololo, a Namibian, while rising star, National Bantamweight Champion Michael Decardi Nelson and WBO Africa Super Welterweight Champion, Patrick Allotey take on Nigerians, Lukman Akinolugbade and Suleiman Jafaru respectively.

Daniel Salasi Gorsh will defend his National Super Bantamweight Title against Michael Tagoe of the Seconds Out Gym. .

The fight of the night will be the clash of the Chorkor boxers as Wisdom trained Emmanuel Quaye of Cabic Promotions face Jacob Tetteh Laryea representing the Bronx Boxing Gym. This is a fight for coaches Ofori Asare and Carl Lokko to test their boxers.

The Night of Stars is organised by Cabic Promotions and Management Syndicate, Bronx Boxing Promotions and Box Office Sports Promotions who have partnered for quality production.

The sponsors are Ashfoam, Burma Camp Pharmacy, Asamoah Gyan Foundation, Paradise Pac Mineral Water, Travel Matters, The Basement, Champion Dishes, Idrowhyt Events Centre at Dansoman, Gold Star Consult and EL's.

The media partners are GTV, TV3, Daily Guide, Grahpic Sports, Ghanaian Times, Dornu's Corner, Boxinghana.com, Africansportsmonthly.com, ultimatesportsghana.com, Asaaseaban.com, newsghana.com.gh, amaghanaonline.com and Ghana Boxing News.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

LAS VEGAS – Ryan Garcia went down during the second round from a left hand again Saturday night.

This time, however, Garcia was the one who was knocked out with a brutal body shot during the seventh round. Gervonta Davis caught Garcia with a perfectly placed left to his body that caused a delayed reaction and made Garcia take a knee with 1:30 to go in the seventh round at a sold-out T-Mobile Arena.

A temporarily immobilized Garcia couldn’t answer referee Thomas Taylor’s count in time and lost by knockout. Davis was declared the winner of their Showtime Pay-Per-View main event at 1:44 of the seventh round.

Baltimore’s Davis (29-0, 27 KOs), who went off as slightly more than a 2-1 favorite, has knocked out 19 of his last 20 opponents and 93 percent of them overall.

“I didn’t think it was over, but I seen his face,” Davis told Showtime’s Jim Gray in the ring. “I seen his face. That’s what made me think it was over.”

Davis initially thought Garcia would get up and continue to compete in a 12-round, non-title fight that contested at a contracted catch weight of 136 pounds.

“When he was looking at me,” Davis said, “I was looking at him like, trying to tell him, ‘Get up.’ And then he just shook his head no.”

The 28-year-old Davis was ahead on all three scorecards at the time of the stoppage.

Judge Steve Weisfeld (59-55) scored five of the six completed rounds for Davis, who won four rounds on judge Tim Cheatham’s card (58-56). Judge Dave Moretti (59-56) scored four rounds for Davis and – rather oddly – the second round even (10-10).

Garcia (23-1, 19 KOs), of Victorville, California, lost for the first time in nearly seven years as a pro in a high-profile fight he pushed to make happen. He got up from a second-round knockdown and knocked out British southpaw Luke Campbell with a vicious body blow of his own in the seventh round of their January 2021 bout at American Airlines Center in Dallas.

“He just caught me with a great shot,” said Garcia, who was bleeding from his nose when he went down to one knee. “I don’t wanna make no excuses in here. He caught me with a great shot and I just couldn’t recover at that stage. You know, that’s all I can say. He caught me with a great shot. … I was gonna get back up, but yeah, I just couldn’t get up.”

The 24-year-old Garcia lamented that he gave Davis too much respect during their fight, but he expressed nothing but respect for his rival afterward.

“Tank is a great fighter,” Garcia said. “I take my hat off to him. I know we talked a lotta sh*t coming up in here, but he knows what it is. It’s all love at the end of the day. I was honored to be in the ring with a great fighter and I respect him a lot.”

Moments before Davis delivered the knockout blow, a short right hand by Garcia landed flush and made Davis, who was backed into his own corner, tie him up barely 20 seconds into the seventh round.

Davis landed a left in an exchange with 45 seconds to go in the sixth round. Garcia connected with three right hands that backed up Davis and then knocked him into the ropes nearly 50 seconds into the sixth round.

Garcia covered up awkwardly with just under a minute remaining in the fifth round, which enabled Davis to land a right hook to his body. Davis lunged forward and landed a left barely a minute into the fifth round.

Garcia fired a right hand just after the midway mark of the fourth round, but Davis partially blocked it, shook his head and came forward. Davis landed a jab a little more than 50 seconds into the fourth round.

Davis and Garcia both boxed carefully in the third round, a round after each of them were hurt.

Garcia landed a right hand that made Davis hold him early in the second round. Davis appeared buzzed by that shot, but he held to regain his senses until Taylor separated them.

Davis held some more until he drilled Garcia with a crushing counter left hand on the inside that sent Garcia to the seat of his trunks with just under a minute to go in the second round. Garcia beat Taylor’s count, but Davis didn’t capitalize on hurting him.

Garcia made it to the end of the second round.

Garcia came forward as soon as their bout began and threw a left hook. Davis worked off his back foot and mostly feinted and pawed with his jab until an uneventful first round ended.

Keith Idec is a senior writer/columnist for BoxingScene.com. He can be reached on Twitter @Idecboxing.

Shanghai Jiading Huilong Football Club has announced the signing of three Ghanaian foreign players, Evans Eddie, Jacob Mensah and Frederick Assante, who officially joined the club on 14th April 2023.

Last season, due to the withdrawal of Chongqing from the professional league and the demotion of Dalian to return to the Super League, the number of places left behind was replaced by Shanghai Jiading Huilong, who ranked seventh in second place the previous year. In the 2022 season, they ended up 13th in the Chinese league.

This season, Shanghai Jiading Huilong, led by coach Li Yenan, began preparations early. In addition to re-signing Liu Shuai, Sun Yue, Li Xin, Qi Xinlei, Sun Moxiang, Liu Changsheng, Zhan Erlei, dazzling sea and other eight players.

In addition, Feng Gang, Tu Dongxu and other players have been introduced to further strengthen their team. On March 14, the team’s official propaganda introduced three foreign Ghanian Players. It is worth mentioning that the three foreign players, Evans Eddie and Fredrik K. Asante are strikers, while Jacob Mensa is a defender.

Evans Eddie (Evans Etti) is a Ghanaian striker who was born in 200. Eddie played for Nkoranza Warriors and Accra Lions Club and was selected for the Ghanaian national team in 2021.

In July 2021, he moved to China to play for Heilongjiang Ice City Football Club, played 35 games in the domestic arena, contributed 11 goals and 1 assist, and won the title of the best player in the 8th and 27th rounds of the Chinese League in the 2022 season.

Jacob Mensah (Jacob Mensah), a Ghanaian defender, was born in 2000. He played for a season and a half with Accra Lions FC. Jacob played 39 league games for the club before leaving Ghana.

Mensa has played 15 games and scored two goals this season for Accra Lions. Wearing the captain’s armband many times, he has become the absolute main pillar and spiritual leader of the team, helping the team firmly occupy the top three positions in the table.

Fredrik K. Asante (Fredrick Asante), a Ghanaian striker, was born in 2001. He also played for the GhanaPremer League side, Accra Lions Club, for a total of one and half seasons. Asante played 40 games, scored eight goals and one assist, and he was the club’s top scorer of the 2021-2022 season in the Ghana Division One League.

Li Yinan said that the warm-up competition is mainly to inspect the training players and run-in teams. Through the game, we found that there is a big gap between the team and the strong Chinese and super teams. The shortcomings exposed in the competition should be constantly improved.

From Sammy Heywood Okine

Osman Bukari did not only make history for Red Star Belgrade by winning the 2023 Serbian League but also grabbed a hat trick for his side in their decisive game with Backa Topola.

The fast-rising Ghana winger powered the red and Whites to their 34th league victory scoring his first on the stroke of half time.

Osman scored twice in the second half to complete a historic hat trick that aided Red Star Belgrade to retain their title.

The visitors were in the lead thanks to Ifet Dakovac’s early penalty kick, but Burkari levelled the score just before halftime.

The fast forward handed Red Star the lead at the hour mark just a few minutes after they had leveled the score, and Guelor Kanga increased it eight minutes later.

Bukari sealed the victory with 15 minutes remaining to help Red Star Belgrade successfully defend their league title.

The former Accra Lions player has been in outstanding form ever since joining the Serbian powerhouses during the summer transfer window. He had scored a hat-trick twice for the group.

Bukari has currently scored 11 goals in the league in 25 games for the team.

From Sammy Heywood Okine

Celebrate World Table Tennis Day on 23 April!

World Table Tennis Day is happening on 23 April, celebrate it with us!

One of the events celebrating World Table Tennis Day 2023, outside the iconic Ruins of St Paul’s in Macao, China

World Table Tennis Day is happening on 23 April! Have you thought of how you will celebrate, where you will be playing the sport at and whom you will be playing with? Here are some ideas of what you can do!

What is World Table Tennis Day? 

World Table Tennis Day on 23 April is a yearly celebration of table tennis – promoting the benefits of the sport, bringing together fans and non-fans alike, and giving everyone an opportunity to play for fun.

This year’s theme is “Think Sustainably, Act Now”, leading to an additional focus on raising awareness for several sustainable development goals.

What is the ITTF doing for World Table Tennis Day?  

Join our 24-hour livestream via this link for a full day of table tennis action that includes exciting table tennis matches, exclusive interview sessions with players, workout challenges, panel discussions, and more!

Where can I find an event/activity to participate in on the actual day?

Keep a look out for activation campaigns around your country, and check in with your local table tennis clubs for the latest updates on upcoming activities you can participate in. Do also check out the the map for more details!

Can I organise an event on World Table Tennis Day?  

Everyone is welcome to organise an event to celebrate World Table Tennis Day, don’t forget to register with us. You can find some ideas here!

There is no event near me…

World Table Tennis Day is all about playing table tennis. You don’t need an event to do that! Just pick up a racket anywhere, and play table tennis with your family and friends! Show us your World Table Tennis Day celebrations by sharing your best videos and photos on social media with the following hashtags #WorldTableTennisDay, #23April, #234.

Want to win prizes for participating in World Table Tennis Day?

The best photos and videos can stand to win exciting prizes! Learn more here.

We hope that you will join us in celebrating World Table Tennis Day, showing the world the power of table tennis and its ability to bring people together from all walks of life.

Stay tuned on our social media for more updates and information on how to get involved and let us make World Table Tennis Day 2023 the best one yet!

www.ittf.com

Mr. Steve Williams, founder of Pillow Fighting Championship in the United States has sent the National Championship belt to Ghana.

The heavy and quality belt was received by Mr. Emmanuel Nii Adjin Olla Williams, President of Ghana Pillow Fighting Championship.

He said very soon there will be elimination series and bouts in the districts and regions to monitor the best pillow fighters to be selected for the National Title.

He expressed that Pillow Fighting has come to stay as the students have embraced the sport and want more competition.

He appealed to corporate Ghana to support Pillow Fighting because it is very interesting and attractive, while both sexes love it.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Frederick Acheampong, the chairman for the Black Meteors Management Committee has confirmed that the team will play two test matches ahead of the upcoming U-23 AFCON tournament in Morocco.

Ghana qualified for the competition with a 2-1 aggregate victory over North African giants Algeria during the qualifiers.

The team is set to commence it’s preparations for the tournament as they look to qualify for the Olympic Games in 2024 following the team’s absence in the global tournament since 2004.

Speaking in an interview on Wednesday, Fred Achie confirmed that the national U-23 side will play a minimum of two international friendlies before the competition.

“In between that, we are looking to play some international friendlies. A minimum of two matches before we enter the tournament. If anything is confirmed, we would make it public,” he told Citi Sports.

Coach Ibrahim Tanko’s men are seeking to do better than their 2019 outing where they finished second.

The competition, which begins in June, will offer three automatic Paris 2024 qualification slots, with a fourth possible through a playoff game.

From Sammy Heywood Okine

The was much to cheer about at the last Press Briefing on the upcoming WBO Africa featherweight championship between Solomon Martey of the Seconds Out Gym and John Laryea from the Bronx Gym.

The venue was the plush Idrowhyt Events Centre at Dansoman where the pugilists will clash on Sunday, April 30, 2023 for fame and fortune leading to big opportunities like getting rated in the world ranks.

While Solomon Martey (13-1) said he has a party to attend on that night so he will end the bout very early to go and chill, John Laryea also called the 'Expensive Boxer' brushed off the words to inform that his birthday on on May 1st so he sees the bout as a step to his celebration and hopes to enjoy after the fight in style with his gym mates, coaches and managers.

John Laryea (13-0) who held the belt before it was declared vacant due to his failure to defend as opponents were not coming forward thanked his management at Bronx Boxing Gym for the support and encouragement to have another opportunity to become African champion again.

He expressed that his target is the world title, and knowing where he comes from and the hardships he has passed through, he will not let his fans down.

"I will will and celebrate in style" he told Yours Truly.

His manager, Mr. Sammy Anim Addo who is CEO of the Bronx Promotions told the media Ghana dearly needs a world boxing champion and prays his ward will fill that gap.

He was optimistic that the boxers featuring on the Night of the Stars bill will become world champions.

The programme has two popular boxers from Chorkor, Jacob Tetteh Laryea, the ‘Chorkor Fire’ and Emmanuel Quaye the ‘Chorkor Welder’ who will fight the. Their fight promises to be a thriller.

Coach Carl Lokko comes up against Coach Ofori Asare of the Wisdom Gym, but much will depend on the boxer who wants to win.

Daniel Salasi Gorsh will defend his National Super Bantamweight against Michael Tagoe while Alfred Lamptey, the Bukom Bomber aka 'Show Time' meets a Namibian Kakololo.

Michael Decardi Nelson and Patrick Allotey will face a Nigerians Lukman and Jafaru on the action packed bill.

Fight fans will pay 100ghc for the VIP where they will enjoy some drinks and food, 50ghc for the Ring Side and 20ghc for the Popular Stand.

The sponsors for the showdown include Ashfoam, Burma Camp Pharmacy, Asamoah Gyan Foundation, Paradise Pac Mineral Water, Travel Matters, Basement, Champion Dishes, Idrowhyt Events Centre and Gold Star Consult.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The Ghana Table Tennis Team are leaving no stone unturned in their quest to win the 2023 West African Table Tennis Championship coming up at the Trust Sport Emporium in Accra.

The 24 players who were invited to camp to represent Ghana have been proned to16, eight male and 8 female ping pong stars.

All of them are champions in their own rights and they will also depend on home support to win.

Already Ghana Navy player, Bernice Borquaye has indicated her readiness to climb the podium for a medal. She has invited her family and friends from Korle Gonno to come and watch her show.

Top seed Cylia Baah Danso of the Ghana Army will be at center stage together with Cynthia Kwabi of the Ghana Immigration.

Augustina Baidoo and Juanita Borteye are new rising stars who want to make names for themselves and their nation, while Police woman Beatrice Gyasi will use her experience and morale to inspire her colleagues.

In the absence of Derek Abrefa who is in the UK, every eye will be on Felix Lartey, the spider to lead the men.

Team Ghana has been training at the Trust Sports Emporium in preparation for the big West African Championship, and the hard work of the Ghana Table Tennis Association President, Mawuko Afadzinu should urged the players to give out their best.

The official 16 (8 Male and 8 female) players to represent Ghana have been named.

The female players are Cynthia Kwabi, Cecilia Fremah, Celia Baah Danso, Augustina Baidoo, Juanita Borteye, Bernice Borquaye, Beatrice Gyasi and Blessing Labanti.

The male include Samuel Akayede, Felix Lartey, Isaac Davies, Isaac Amoako, Augustine Baidoo, James Marfo, Bernard Joe Sam, Francis Antwi

Both Male and female players will compete in the singles and teams event.

The West African Table Tennis Championship starts from Monday April 24 to April 27.

Partners supporting the GTTA are Labadi Beach Hotel, Trust Sports Emporium Limited, Ghana Olympic Committee and the Ministry of Youth and Sports. Others are Sun Seekers, Special Ice Water, Goil and the Media.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Zero Plastic Planet – an Accra-based Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), will on Saturday, April 22, embark on a clean-up exercise at the Ningo-Prampram Beach as part of its campaign against plastic waste on Ghanaian beaches.

The exercise also forms part of activities by the NGO to educate Ghanaians on the importance of waste segregation and the negative impact of plastic waste pollution.

The clean-up exercise would commence at 0800 hours at the Ningo-Prampram Beach and would see participants collect plastic waste at the beach and also prevent them from ending up in the ocean.

They would also carry out a data analysis exercise to identify the major classification of plastic waste in a bid to advise and assist the government and policy makers to make informed decisions, pertinent to plastic waste pollution in Ghana.

A statement from Zero Plastic Planet said the exercise would be carried out across all beaches in the country after the Ningo-Prampram project.

The organization has launched a nationwide public advocacy campaign to educate the average Ghanaian and African, on the importance of waste segregation and the detriment of plastic waste pollution.

It said poor plastic waste management had led to the pollution of ocean with plastic waste and Global statistics showed that there would be more plastics than fishes in the sea, by 2050.

Ghana ocean health index has shown a significant decline over the past few years. Our index has declined from 63 to 59.

Zero Plastic Planet is an organization that seeks to leverage plastic waste as a strategic tool, to positively impact socio-economic development in Ghana and Africa.

The organization is passionate about finding creative solutions to address plastic waste pollution, affecting biodiversity, in general.

Source Willie Ezah