Best boxing promoters, Mr. Alex Ntiamoah Bpoakye’s Box Office Promotions did a marvelous work on Sunday to ensure a splendid international package on Sunday November 24, 2024 at the Bukom Boxing Arena.

With two previous promotions going bad on Friday and Saturday, Box Office were in doubt if people will patronize their event.

However it lived to its billing as boxing fans defied all odds including rains on Friday and security, poor arrangements / mismanagement on Saturday to put up another entertaining event.

The main bout between Richmond Ashelley and Joseph Commey could pass to be Fight of the Year as both boxers put out a great performance. Though Commey won on points, Ashelley displayed amazing boxing as they clashed for the UBO Africa Lightweight Championship.

Pride of Ashaiman, National and UBO Africa Welterweight Champion, Sampson Segbedzi sealed victory against compatriot Isaac Commey, a kickboxer from Chorkor who chose to fight awkwardly by hitting below and head butting.

Abigail Quartey, another Chorkor based boxer  made history by becoming the first Ghanaian female world champion after dominating Sageenta Birdi of UK to annex the Women International Boxing Federation (WIBF) Super bantamweight title.

British Indian Prince Patel became the New IBF & UBO Africa Welterweight champion via a Round 7 TKO against Maxwell Awuku.

Bradley Townsend defeated Victor Kumornu to win the WBA Pan African Super Lightweight title.

Tony Bange also beat Bukom based Theophilus Ofei Dodoo to win the UBO World Super Middleweight title.

Boateng Agyeman Prempeh lost to Simon Murray in their international Light heavyweight contest.

Derrick Mensah had victory over Haruna Oku in their Super Flyweight contest.

Former Black Bomber Jonathan Tetteh also defeated Kwesi Tutu in their Super Middleweight clash.

Other boxers on the bill were George Quaye versus Joe Maphosa in a Bantamweight contest, Francis Akakpo versus Francis Mensah and Moses Kweku against Emmanuel Odoi in Light heavyweight contests.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

In what can only be described as one of the fights of the year for 2024, South Africa’s Kaine “K9” Fourie survived an acid test and scare in Boxing 5’s event entitled “UNRIVALLED” in the main event against dangerous Ghanaian fighter Mohammed Wasiru at The Box Camp this last Saturday night.

From the opening second of the fight, the short and crude unbeaten Wasiru, with 13 fights and 12 KOs going in, charged at Fourie with mean intent, landing a left hook and, a few seconds later, a right hand over the top that caught Fourie's attention.

The real drama came at the end of the second round when Wasiru was applying pressure in the last 10 seconds of the round. He threw a looping right hand that caught Fourie flush, causing him to fall into the ropes as the bell rang to end the round. Wasiru then threw an additional right hand that dropped Fourie. The punch landed clearly after the bell, and referee Tony Nyangiwe started counting without giving any warning to the Ghanaian. There was no question that Fourie was hurt, but he came out for the third round with his legs still looking heavy. He did well to hold, smother, and survive that crisis moment, and midway through the round, he regained his legs and wits.

It was a slam-bang affair, with both fighters refusing to give an inch.

Going into the fourth round, Wasiru was still applying pressure, but Kaine was more alert and caught Wasiru with a counter left hook that dropped him. Wasiru was clearly hurt, and Fourie, smelling blood, unleashed his vaunted 45-degree left hook, which dropped Wasiru hard, face first, prompting the referee to wave off the contest without bothering to count.

The sold-out crowd was in a frenzy over Fourie’s win, and rightly so; “K9” had to dig deep, showing heart and character to secure the victory.

Fourie, still unbeaten, goes to 9 wins and 2 draws while Wasiru goes to 13 wins and a single loss.

What a way to end the year for Boxing 5 with that kind of fight.

Definitely unrivalled.

Issued by: NO DOUBT Management

Emmanuel Sesi of Royal Stars, won the 100 kilometres race in the Male Elites of the Maiden Edition of the 2024 Obour Cycling challenge held in the Eastern Region of Ghana.

The 100km race was flagged from Nsawam to Kyebi through to Suhum, Apedwa and back to Nsawam.

Emmanuel Sesi of the Royal Stars Cycling club in the Volta region beat 58 Cyclists who took part in the 2024 Obour Cycling Challenge to win the yellow jersey and the cash prize as the overall winner in the maiden edition of the event.

In about 5km to the finish line, top Cyclists, like Frank Akuffu, Micheal Naaba, Francis Owusu , Emmanuel Sesi , Francis Owusu, Humphrey Ayittey and Daniel Amu were all in the break away team fighting their way to get to the finish line. But it was rather Emmanuel Sesi who crossed the finish line first with a triumphant smile to win the Maiden Edition of Obour Cycling Challenge.

He was followed by Humphrey Ayittey, as he secured the second position whilst Micheal Brownson took the third spot.

The competitive race which was in a distance of 100km, recorded an average speed of 37.34/Km/h and a time of 2h 40 minutes 40seconds.

In the Team Time Trial, Quick steps got the average speed of 43.5Okm/hr and time of 27:35:93, Team FCG got 29:32:47 and Obour Cycling Club got 30:27:98) securing second and third places respectively.

Meanwhile, Godfred Tompo from Obour Cycling Club, took the youngest cyclist whiles Christian Adiabo also took the oldest cyclist in the maiden edition of Obour Cycling Challenge.

However, in the Women’s 40km race, Erica Sedzro emerged victorious in the women’s category.

The women’s 40km event was fiercely contested, with Erica Sedzro ultimately crossing the finish line first, ahead of her closest rival Abigail Tetteh. Unfortunately, several competitors were unable to complete in the 40km course, from Nsawam through to Apedwa to Suhum and back.

Addressing the media after the event, the chairman of Obour Cycling Challenge. Mr Emmanuel Obour said, “We really wanted to create competition, from the look of things, it was very competitive. So I think our goal for the event has been achieved. This is my first time organising such a thing, so for me, it was very competitive, but I know it was nationwide. It would have been more than what we witnessed, but for starters, it’s ok.”

In his view, they won’t stop at nothing and intend to do even better in the next edition which will fall around June and November. “Next year, we intend to do it bigger; even before it gets to the end of the year. Next year, be rest assured that it will be bigger than what we witnessed today.”

The organizers of the Obour Cycling Challenge have promised an even more spectacular event in the coming years.

On the other hand, the Ghana Cycling Federation’s Secretary praised the organizers for their efforts and assured the federation’s continuous support for future events.

“The Ghana Cycling Federation will support this event to make it world-class. The publicity was great, and the athletes were thrilled on the route. This event will not only profit the athletes but the people in Nsawam as a whole. Sports help businesses in a community, so let’s all support the organiser led by Emmanuel Obour.” The General Secretary of the Ghana Cycling Federation, Shabban Mohammed, stated.

One fan also disclosed, “We are very happy that this event is being organised in Nsawwam Apedwa here. We, the drivers and mates associations, will support and make it a success.”

The Obour Cycling Challenge was proudly sponsored by Engineering Auto Tech, Monelle Noir, Angel Tv, Atinka 104.7 FM, and Richportal TV.

Below are the positions and cash prizes, for the Winners of the Maiden Edition Of Obour Cycling Challenge:

100kilometres Race;

Ist position: Emmanuell Sesi -(GHC 1500)

2nd position: Humphrey Ayittey (GHC 1000)

3rd position: Micheal Brownson (GHC 500)

4th position:Micheal Naaba (GHC 200)

5th position:Frank Akuffu (GHC 200)

6th position:Francis Owusu(GHC 200)

7th position:Prince Adjei (GHC 200)

8th position:Prince Maison(GHC 200)

9th position:Lyford Allotey (GHC 200)

3rd position:Micheal Brown (GHC 200)

4th position:Micheal Naaba (GHC 200)

5th position :Frank Akuffo (GHC 200)

6th position:Francis Owusu(GHC 200)

7th position:Prince Adjei (GHC 200)

8th position:Prison Maison (GHC200)

9th position:Lyford Allotey (GHC 200)

10th position: Francis Amu(GHC 200)

Team Time Trials (15km):

Ist position -Quick Steps(GHC 500)

2nd position-Team FCG(GHC 300)

3rd position- Obour Cycling Club(GHC 200)

Ladies 40km:

Ist position: Erica Sendro (GHC 500)

2nd position: Abigail Mensah (GHC 300)

Source Elizabeth A. Gyamfi

Former IBF Welterweight Champion Joshua Grand Master Clottey has disclosed that he will be back in the ropes in March 2025 to thrill boxing fans.

Speaking exclusively on Omashi TV's flagship programme, 'The Big Fight Night' he revealed his readiness to fight Britain Indian Prince Patel (31-1-2) on a Box Office  Promotions bill.

According to Clottey who was born in 1977, he will stop and retire the popular Indian born British boxer who is loved by Ghanaian boxing fans.

The Ghanaian former professional boxer who competed from 1995 to 2019, and held the IBF welterweight title from 2008 to 2009. As an amateur, he competed at the 1994 Commonwealth Games.

 At the peak of his career, he was notable for his exceptionally durable chin, and was never stopped in any of his five losses.

Clottey was classed as one of the best defensive boxers in the world.

He made big name after fighting Philippino Manny Pacquiao, which he lost, a fight which many of his fans thought he could have won.

Clottey is a product of the Black Panthers Gym founded by the late Coach Akisi aka Emmanuel Tagoe.

The fight with Patel will be staged as part of the Independence Day Rumble which Box Office has been organising annually.

Patel accepted the challenge and said he is also ever ready to return to Ghana next year to do business.

Luqmaan Prince Patel, a four star rated boxer was born in 1993 aka  Prince Patel, he is a British professional boxer who held the International Boxing Organization (IBO) bantamweight title from December 2023 to April 2024.

He has also won multiple regional championships, including the Commonwealth super-flyweight title since March 2021 and the African super-flyweight title in 2019.

Patel is the first boxer of Indian descent to have won a Commonwealth, WBA, and IBF title.

He last fought in Ghana on Sunday November 24 at the Bukom Boxing Arena and defeated Maxwell Awuku to claim the IBF Pan African and UBO World Welterweight titles.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Awal Mohammed, a student at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (,KNUST) amassed 68 points to emerge winner of the first 2024 functional sports national competition dubbed ‘Iron Forge’ held last Sunday at the Idrowhyt Events Centre at the Dansoman.

He went home with 1,500ghc cash prize, two trophies (one for keeps and the other to defend next year), certificate, medal and products of sponsors of the exciting event.

12 athletes drown from five region battled for two days in strength, speed, power, endurance and body weight as an enthusiastic crowd watched and cheered.

Second placed Charles Addo with 59 points, a former student of Winneba University and fitness instructors had the biggest support and did not disappoint his fans. He took 1,000ghc, a trophy, medal and certificate as well products of sponsors.

Determined Isaac Amoako from the Ashanti Region took the third position with 53 points and collected 700ghc, medal, certificate, trophy and products.

Central Region representative. Isaac Ewusi and Isaac Owusu from Kumasi respectively shared the fourth and fifth positions.

Awal who is a body builder and loves sporting activities said he really prepared for the competition and thanked the Functional Fitness League Ghana for giving the athletes the exposure and opportunity to showcase their skills, strength and talent.

He hoped that frequent competitions would be held to make them active and effective.

CEO of the Functional Fitness League Ghana, Nana Adu Mankatta congratulated the athletes and urged them to train hard as the future looks bright and soon than later, some of them will represent Ghana at international competition.

Ms. Wendy Naa Deidei Sampah. a technical officer said Functional Fitness is an interesting sports and urged the youth to get involved.

President of Functional Fitness League Ghana. Mr. Charles Owusu Ansah thanked the sponsors for their valuable contribution and commended the athletes for their resilience, discipline and character which made the event very exciting and successful. He thanked the media that promote the sport, notably, Modern Ghana. Ultimate Sports, Obu Sports, Metro TV, TV Africa, Graphic Sports and Ghana Web.

The classification was: 12th Frank Mensah 16pts, 11th Cletus Bannerman 18pts, 10th Shadrach Yeboah 20pts, 9th Philip Bandele 23pts, 8th Shaibu Tijani Northern Region 28pts, 7th Francis Addo 41pts, 6th Abdulai Adams 45pts, 5th Isaac Owusu Ashanti Region 51pts, 4th Isaac Ewusi Central Region 51pts, 3rd Isaac Amoako Ashanti Region 53pts, 2nd Charles Adama Accra 59pts and 1st Awal Mohammed of KNUST 68pts -WINNER.

The sponsors include Denzgate, Greystone Gym, Afrofit Global Foundation, Forte Commodities Ltd, Kofas Enterprise, SKOF, Fit Trip, Health & Fitness Matters, Ice Drop, Neurkies Hub and Sunda International,

By Sammy Heywood Okine

… Wins WIBF World Title At Bukom Boxing Arena

Super Bantamweight boxer, Abigail Quartey (9-1-0)  on Sunday, November24,  2024 wrote her name in the history books of Ghana and World Boxing when she became Ghana's first-ever female world champion after defeating United Kingdom’s Sangeeta Birdie in a thrilling WIBF World Title bout at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra.

Abigail 28, dominated the ring and the rounds, winning by unanimous decision with all three judges scoring it 98-91.

According to boxing pundits, her victory is more than just a personal achievement; it’s a groundbreaking moment for Ghanaian boxing and a beacon of hope for young athletes across the nation.

“Relive the action, feel the energy, and celebrate our new queen of the ring! Abigail Quartey, the pride of Ghana, the champion of the world” said Nii Otoe Bruce Tagoe, the ace boxing photo journalist.

Prince Dornu - Leiku of Graphic Sports, an exciting boxing writer said it was a sweet victory as most Ghanaians lost titles to foreigners on the night staged by Box Office Promotions, known to be the best boxing promotions outfit in Ghana.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Ghana's sensational and fashionable lightweight boxer Gabriel Coffie has a day for business in Canada on December 8. 2024 when he faces Steven Wilcox with a record of 25-4-1

Coffie Gabriel.11-1-2 is looking forward to a successful international outing against Steven Wilcox and hopes to win..

His trainer, Coach Randy told Yours Truly in an interview that they have accepted the fight and are ready to rumble.

"This is an opportunity we have been looking up to and we have accepted to fight and we are hopeful of winning. Our target is the world title and this is a stepping stone" he said.

According to the hardworking coach of the James Town Boxing Gym. Coffie has been training very well and this is a good test.

He was very optimistic they are going to win.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The final of the first functional fitness championship comes off at the Idrowhyt Events Centre on Sunday, November 24 at 5pm.

The first day at the Zulka Astro Turf Park on Saturday was successful as 12 athletes divided into two groups of six competitors who were drawn from the regions did very well to qualify and win the handsome prizes at stake.

According to Mr. Charles Owusu Ansah, the Functional Sports League Ghana is hosting the two days intense contest to inspire athleticism and urged the youth of Ghana to get involved in functional fitness which is a day to day sporting activity, like sitting, lifting and jumping.

The inaugural event is featuring athletes from Greater Accra, Ashanti, Bono, Central, Western, and Eastern Regions who will battle in demanding challenges designed to test their capacities across a broad range of physical abilities.

Mr Charles Owusu Ansah said the athletes went through six test routines namely Endurance, Strength, Bodyweight, Power, Mixed, and Skill.

He said Iron Forge is a chance to witness the dedication and passion of our local fitness community.

"Whether you are a seasoned athlete, a fitness enthusiast, or simply looking for a day of entertainment, we at Functional Sports League Ghana invite you to join us at Idrowhyt Events Centre at Dansoman for amazing, memorable and exciting event.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Pride of Wisdom Boxing Gym, Theophilus Nii Kpakpo Allotey aka ‘Theo Lopez’ put up an amazing display to defeat Isaac Aryeetey to win the National Super Flyweight title belt on Saturday at the Bukom Boxing Arena.

Coming from a training camp in the British Cayman Island, Allotey and his coach Dr. Ofori Asare exhibited fantastic and classic boxing skills and coaching to the admiration of fans.

By his sweet victory, Allotey who represented Ghana at the qualifiers of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games has made history as one of the boxers to have won a national title after a short time turning professional.

He has improved his records to six u defeated pro bouts and now looking forward to defend and move to the continental sphere.

Administrator of the Wisdom Boxing Gym. Miss Sarah Lotus Asare said the victory is super and will be an inspiration and motivation to boxers of the club which is known to be one of the most disciplined outfits.

She informed that the victory celebrations will be carried to some communities and schools that are going to get educational materials.

Allotey won by a round seven knock out and he said the win is just the beginning of greater things to come.

Allotey represented Ghana in Senegal. Italy and Thailand for the 2024 Olympic Games Qualifiers. Though he could not make it, he believes the professional ranks can be the place to establish himself as a super star.

He told Yours Truly on Omashi TV that he hopes to become a world champion and believed in his coach as a great trainer who is capable of winning a world title.

The main bouts of the night staged by Ayitey Powers Promotions between Haruna Mohammed aka Thunder and Jacob Dickson for the national cruiserweight title as well as Baubali versus Soldier Boxer for the national super middleweight title could not be honored as the promoter was not able to meet conditions by the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA).

After much debate the enthusiastic disappointed fans had to go home when the referee climbed down from the ring.

By Sammy Heywood Okine                                     

Scancom PLC (MTN Ghana) has been awarded Telco of the Year at the prestigious Africa Tech Festival Awards held in Cape Town, South Africa. This award recognizes MTN Ghana's innovative approach to addressing 4G traffic suppression in Accra since 2021.

MTN Ghana triumphed over competitors such as Liquid Intelligent Technologies, LANCK Telecom, and Orange Telecom to secure this esteemed accolade. This achievement followed a collaborative effort with Huawei to deploy a groundbreaking 2.6G Frequency-Division-Duplexing (FDD) massive Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) solution.

This advanced technology significantly improved 4G network performance, providing a 5G-like experience and alleviating capacity bottlenecks.

Commenting on the award, Stephen Blewett, the CEO of MTN Ghana, stated, “We are thrilled to receive this award, which validates our commitment to investing in modern network infrastructure.

In an increasingly digital world, the importance of robust and accessible telecommunications infrastructure cannot be overstated. Our goal is to ensure that everyone benefits from a modern connected life. This recognition reinforces our belief statement and fuels our journey toward becoming a technology and platform player”

The Telco of the Year Award aims to recognize and honor network providers and telecommunications services that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to ensuring seamless and reliable connectivity for all. The award celebrates the vital role telecommunications companies play in connecting people, businesses, and communities, driving digital transformation, and fostering economic and social development across the region.

The 2024 Africa Tech Festival Awards acknowledge the outstanding achievements of telecommunications companies that excel in delivering high-quality services, expanding network coverage, and innovating to meet the evolving needs of their customers.

MTN Ghana is dedicated to leading digital solutions for Africa’s progress by providing reliable network services with extensive coverage, ensuring digital inclusion, and leveraging technology to enhance the customer experience.

End.

About MTN Ghana

MTN Ghana is the market leader in the mobile telecommunications industry in Ghana, offering subscribers a range of exciting options under Pay As You Go, Pay Monthly and Mobile Financial Services. The company is part of the MTN Group which is a leading emerging market leader with a clear vision to lead the delivery of a bold new digital world to our customers. We are inspired by our belief that everyone deserves the benefits of a modern connected life. Scancom PLC is listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange. Our strategy is Ambition 2025: Leading digital solutions for Africa’s progress.

Source MTN