Theophilus ‘Lopez’ Kpakpo Allotey stopped Amr El Tafahny of Egypt in R1 in the men's flyweight at the quarter final stage of the 13^th African Games.

It was certainly a good day for the Black Bombers of Ghana as six Ghanaian boxers went into action on Saturday at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra where medal prospect Theophilus Kpakpo Allotey became the first boxer to enter the medal zone (semi final) in boxing.

Black Hitter, Sarah Apew lost 5-0 to Martha Amina Faki of Kenya in the women's bantamweight round of 16.

But amazing southpaw 19 year old student Amadu Mohammed stopped Khalil Litim of Algeria - men bantamweight round of 16 to set the tone for more exciting victories.

2022 Commonwealth Games silver medalist, Joseph Commey was too much for Jeroson Barkin of Liberia whom he stopped in R2 in the men's lightweight round of 16.

Henry Malm also defeated Hamza Ghazouani of Tunisia in the  men's light middleweight round.

Alfred Kotey was supposed to face Arthur Lendoye of Gabon in the men's welterweight round of 16 which was postponed from Friday to Saturday.

33 countries entered boxing at the exciting Games.

From Sammy Heywood Okine

Ghana's Prince Oko Nartey has lost another chance to win a title outside Ghana.

He was beaten in the fourth round by Ezra Taylor for the Commonwealth silver light heavyweight title.

The bout came off on Saturday night at the Resorts Arena Birmingham, UK.

Prince Nartey has not given up and still working very hard to win a continental title.

He told yours truly he will never give up until he wins a big title for Ghana.

“I am a boxer and sports is my profession so whether lose, draw or win we continue to work hard” he said.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

It's a big fight day for Ghana as six Ghanaian boxers are in action on Saturday at the Accra 2023 Africa Games with a chance to confirm a medal by high prospect, Theophilus Kpakpo Allotey AKA Theo Lopez.

Sarah Apew lost 5-0 to Martha Amina Faki of Kenya in the women's bantamweight round of 16 (fight no.1 of Session 2 beginning 2pm)

Amadu Mohammed vs Khalil Litim of Algeria - men bantamweight round of 16 (fight 4)

Joseph Commey vs Jeroson Barkin of Liberia - men's lightweight round of 16 (fight 9)

Henry Malm vs Hamza Ghazouani of Tunisia - men's light middleweight round of 16 (fight 10)

Theophilus Kpakpo Allotey vs Amr El Tafahny of Egypt - men's flyweight quarter final (fight 2 of Session 3 beginning 7pm)

Alfred Kotey vs Arthur Lendoye of Gabon - men's welterweight round of 16 postponed from Friday to Saturday (fight 11 of Session 3).

From Sammy Heywood Okine

Nigeria's Jump squad is in Ghana for the Track & Field events. This picture shows Ese Brume, Ruth Usoro, Pristina Ochonogor and Emmanuel Njoku.They are all potential medalists.

By the time Nigeria unleashes its Athletics Team at the #AfricanGames2023, the country's medals will skyrocket on the table.

Tobi, the world class hurdler is also expected in Ghana.

From Sammy Heywood Okine

Many Ghanaian Boxing fans left the Bukom Boxing Arena very disappointed on Friday evening after the doctor and referee decided to stop the fight between homeboy Adbul Baki Adams and a Tunisian opponent.

Adams was the first Ghanaian to mount the ring and many fans had trooped to the fight venue to offer their support, but it turned out to be a fiasco on day one of Boxing which is one of the hopes of the host country.

Track & Field (Athletics), Armwrestling and Boxing are disciplines where Ghana have comparative advantage.

President of the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA), Mr. Abraham Neequaye who was at the Arena said Adams was doing well and leading so it was unfortunate that he was declared loser. He adviced the other boxers to know the rules in Amateur Boxing and go by it.

He commended the fans for remaining disciplined and urged them to support the Games to end successfully.

Former President of the Ghana Boxing Federation, Mr. George Lamptey who is an International Technical Officer said IBA believes in fairness and would not allow boxers to be injured. He noted that Adams is a great boxer who has bright future.

Communication Manager of the GBF, Mr. Jojo Ephson said IBA has its rules which trainers and boxers must know.

He cautioned the Black Bombers not to be over confident, but to put behind them past occurrences and move into the future with vim and vigor.

Coach Carl Lokko. Vice President of the United Coaches Association said it is time Ghanaians become officials (referee and judges) at AFBC and IBA.

He expressed that Ghana cannot be left behind in the development and promotion of Boxing in Africa, going forward.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The President of AFBC Eyassu Berhanu hails African boxers who took part in the 1st World Qualification event

He says AFBC will work together with its affiliates to prioritise grassroots boxing to nurture talent, increase visibility of African boxing through social and mainstream media,constant international exposure and empower coaches

The President of the Africa Boxing Confederation (AFBC), Eyassu Berhanu (pictured), has hailed the African boxers for their spirited performance in the just-concluded 1st World Qualification Tournament in Busto Arsizio, Italy.

Berhanu urged the African boxers not to despair for failure to qualify in Italy, and now focus on the 2nd and final World Qualification Tournament scheduled for Bangkok, Thailand from May 26 to June 2.

Berhanu’s remarks come in the wake of Africa’s dismal show in Italy where none of the 68 boxers qualified for the Paris Olympics this year.

“While the result may not have met our expectations, the dedication and sportsmanship displayed by our boxers has not gone unnoticed,” Berhanu told AFBC Communications .

“The journey to the Olympics is indeed challenging and our boxers have displayed remarkable resiliance. I encourage them to maintain their focus and prepare well for the upcoming World Qualification Tournament in Thailand. Let’s use the Italy experience as a catalyst for change and growth.”

Outlining AFBC’s strategic plan, Berhanu said the African body will work in concert with its affiliates to prioritise grassroots boxing to nurture young talent as well as conducting training programs, academies and grassroots competitions.

He said constant exposure in major international competitions is of paramount importance for boxers to master different styles of boxing. AFBC will also conduct coaching courses to ensure they keep coaches abreast with the changing trends in boxing.

He emphasized on the need for constant visibility of African boxing on social and mainstream media to attract more fans and sponsors.

“AFBC wants to foster the growth and success of boxing across the continent, ultimately its status and competitiveness on the world stage.”

Below is Berhanu’s statement on Africa’s performance in the Olympic Qualifying event in Italy.

Dear African Boxing Community,

I extend sincere gratitude to all African boxers who participated in the 1st World Olympic Qualification tournament in Italy.

While the results may not have met our initial expectations, the dedication and sportsmanship displayed by our boxers has not gone unnoticed. This serves as an opportunity for national federations to further invest in our boxers, reinforcing their strengths, and addressing any technical weaknesses.

We acknowledge the concerns raised regarding potential biased decisions, particularly in cases involving Pedros Gomes and Yusuf Changalawe. We are committed to conducting a thorough review, working closely with relevant authorities to ensure fairness in future competitions.

The journey to the Olympics is indeed challenging, and our boxers have demonstrated remarkable resilience. Despite the setbacks faced in Italy, I encourage them to maintain their focus and prepare for the upcoming 2nd World Olympic Qualifiers in Bangkok, Thailand. This presents a renewed opportunity, and we firmly believe in the talent and determination of our athletes to secure spots for the Paris Olympics.

I also take this opportunity to commend the 18 African boxers who have already secured their tickets to Paris, showcasing the continent’s boxing prowess. Boxers from Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, Nigeria, Tunisia, Zambia, Mozambique, and the Democratic Republic of Congo have notably demonstrated excellence, and we celebrate their achievements.

As we navigate ahead, let us remain united in supporting our boxers, fostering an environment of fair competition, and ensuring that the enduring spirit of the sport prevails.

Source boxinghana

The 13^th African Games has been very interesting with surprises and shocks as well as some very interesting moments.

Host nation, Ghana had to wait till Friday, March 15^th to win medals in Armwrestling to climb on the medals table.

According to the Minister of Youth & Sports Mustapha Ussif this would be the best Games for Ghana in terms of medals won.

He congratulated all gold, silver and bronze winners of Team Ghana, noting well that Ghana will get a medal in football, the passion of the nation and Track & Field.

The Games which began on March 8 ends on March 23 2024.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Ghana Football Association Executive Committee approved decision by its search committee to appoint Otto Addo as the new coach of the Black Stars.

Borussia Dortmund also announced Addo's departure from his role as talent coach.

Borussia Dortmund and talent coach Otto Addo will part ways in the summer as he embarks on his new role as coach for the Ghanaian national team.

“We wish him nothing but the best as he embraces this exciting new chapter in his career Thank you for everything, Otto” said a post on Twitter of Dortmund.

From Sammy Heywood Okine

Ghana's Prince Oko Nartey has tilted the scales at 175.2 lbs whilst his opponent, Ezra Taylor comes in at 174 lbs for their Commonwealth silver light heavyweight title fight Saturday night at the Resorts Arena Birmingham, UK.

Prince Nartey is one of the hungry boxers in Ghana who is trying very hard to win a continental title.

He told yours truly he will never give up until he wins a big title for Ghana.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Condolences on the passing of J. A. Annan from IMAX Boxing Promotion

It is with profound sadness that we learned of the passing of J. A. Annan from the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) this morning, March 15, 2024.

On behalf of IMAX Boxing Promotion, we extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.

J A Annan's contributions to the boxing fraternity in Ghana were immeasurable, and his legacy will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

His dedication and passion for the sport have left an indelible mark, and his loss will be deeply felt across the community and beyond.

During this time of mourning, let us come together to support one another and honor J A Annan's memory by continuing to uphold the values he cherished within the boxing fraternity.

May his soul rest in perfect peace.

Sincerely,

IMAX Boxing Promotion