IBF Continental Africa featherweight champ, Holy 'Jaw Breaker' Dorgbetor retained his title after defeating Clement Aliou Loko of Benin.

The well attended bout which was held at the Centre Point Mall near Legon in Accra was the first loss of the man from Benin.

The official result was an overwhelming unanimous decision, 99-91, 100-90, 100-90 for Dorgbetor,

In other bouts involving other stars, Samuel Takyi won over Emmanuel Quartey who refused to answer the bell as the bout was going on, same as Isaac Nettey who lost to Mohammed Aryeetey. Joshua Quartey, another former amateur star was also on the bill.

Samuel “No Chance” Quaye squared up with veteran Benjamin “Daddy Lumba” Lamptey in the bill dubbed ‘the Streets 2 Champions Fight Night’ exhibition bout  promoted by Ace Power which involved amateur and juvenile fights.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Three level 300 students representing the University of Ghana, Legon, Mary Eyram Chukwu (Food Process Engineering), Rudolf Zilpi (Food Process Engineering) and Richard Oteng Kumah (Nutrition and Food Science) emerged Gold winners of the 6^th edition of the Packaging Research and Innovation Challenge.

Their work was on the preservation and packaging of eggs, dubbed ‘Eggxellent’ and the focus areas were point of sale marketing appeal, save food packaging, pharmaceutical /cosmetics packaging, sustainability packaging, packaging materials, packaging of e-commerce, industrial and transport packaging.

The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science And Technology (KNUST) who were defending champions as well as World Star Global champions placed second (Silver), while the third position (Bronze) went to Academic City in Accra.

The fourth and fifth position was taken by Ashesi University and Ho Technical respectively.

The awards presentation ceremony took place last Friday at the board room of Royal Crown Packaging Limited, Spintex where the sponsors and schools of the challenge were honoured with certificates and prizes.

Pastor Prince Agyenim Boateng furnished guests with a statement on the purpose of the initiative which is mainly based on sustainability and reduction of waste.

Mr. Fares Akl, MD of Qualiplast, in his keynote address expressed that packaging impart on lives, as environmental pressure on the world makes packaging relevant. He touched on critical thinking, problem solving and improvement on technical skills of students in contributing to a healthier planet.

Mr. Victor Sosah, GM of ePak Flexible Packaging West Africa in another address noted that it is worthy to celebrate innovation and problem solving as well as giving employment to the students at organisations where they would be useful and resourceful.  

Mr. Kofi Essuman, Vice President for Educ. World Packaging Org presented the award modalities which include execution, sustainability, ergonomics, function ability, adequate labeling and packaging. He commended the students and was optimistic that their presentations would be considered at the World Star Global Awards.

Mr. Iddrisu Hussien, Deputy MD of Royal Crown in his closing remarks called for building on productive capacity.

Some previous winners from KNUST shared their travelling experiences.

The Packaging Research And Innovation Challenge is jointly organized by the Institute of Packaging with the support of Royal Crown and other sponsors including Access Bank, Kasapreko, Qualiplast, Brand Innovations, ePak, Miniplast Propak and Aplast.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) pays tribute to late Olympian, Clement Isaac ‘Ike’ Quartey Snr

The Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) mourns the passing of Ghana’s first Olympian, Clement Isaac ‘Ike’ Quartey Snr, who died on November 2, 2024, in London at the age of 86. As a pioneering figure in Ghanaian and African sports, Quartey inspired generations of athletes and will be remembered as a true trailblazer in Olympic history.

In a heartfelt tribute, GOC President Ben Nunoo Mensah expressed the Committee’s sorrow at the loss of an outstanding sportsman who placed Ghana on the Olympic map and opened doors for African athletes worldwide. “The entire Olympic Movement in Ghana is profoundly saddened by the loss of Clement Quartey, a man whose achievements paved the way for African athletes on the global stage. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, including his younger brother, former WBA welterweight champion Ike ‘Bazooka’ Quartey.”

Clement Quartey, fondly known as Ike, holds a significant place in history as the first black African to win an Olympic medal, earning silver at the 1960 Olympics in Rome. His achievement, a momentous milestone in African sports, came after a series of triumphant victories against opponents from Morocco, Iraq, South Korea, and Poland in the light-welterweight division. Although the Ghanaian legend lost to Czech boxer Bohumil Němeček in the gold-medal bout, his presence on the Olympic podium signified an unprecedented breakthrough for the African continent.

At the time, no black African had previously won an Olympic medal, a barrier Clement Quartey broke on September 1, 1960. Just days later, Ethiopian runner Abebe Bikila followed in his footsteps by winning the men’s marathon barefoot. This iconic era marked a defining moment, establishing Ghana and Africa on the global sports stage and motivating generations of African athletes.

Clement Quartey’s legacy continued beyond the Olympics. In 1962, he won a gold medal at the British Empire and Commonwealth Games in Perth, Australia, alongside fellow Ghanaian athletes Mike Ahey and Eddie Blay. His achievements became emblematic of Ghana’s early post-independence sporting successes and inspired future athletes to strive for excellence.

As Ghana’s first Olympic medallist, Clement Quartey’s legacy inspired many athletes, including his younger brother, Ike ‘Bazooka’ Quartey, who represented Ghana at the 1988 Seoul Olympics before going on to become a world champion in professional boxing.

The GOC honours Clement Quartey as an enduring symbol of resilience, a standard-bearer of Ghanaian and African sporting excellence, and a true icon. His contributions laid a foundation for Ghana’s position in international sports, and his footprints will forever remain in the sands of time. The GOC calls for his memory to be immortalised as a beacon of dedication, hope, and sporting greatness.

Source GOC President

Ghana Para-Powerlifting Association in collaboration with The National Paralympic Committee of Ghana (NPC-Ghana), will organize a National Para Powerlifting competition involving over 50 Para Powerlifters (athletes) from across 5 regions of Ghana.

The event which coincides with this year’s World Disability Day is to enable the Para-Powerlifting Association to select athletes for the upcoming year (2025), ranked and have a database for all recognized Athletes in Ghana. The event is to also make the sport and selection of athletes into the national team more competitive and medal oriented to place Ghana on high pedestal and be part of the Big Contenders in the World Para Powerlifting.

 - Ghana’s activities marking this year’s international Day for persons with disabilities, under the theme, ‘Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future’.

Significantly, the event will also serve as identification and unearthing of potential athletes in preparation towards mandatory qualification events for 2025.

Significantly, the Para Powerlifting Association will also seize the opportunity to educate the members of the Association and Athletes about the new rules of the game and the next structural plan for the athletes.

The Ghana Para Powerlifting Association will like to seize the opportunity to invite all members of the Paralympic Fraternity in Ghana to attend and witness the event as scheduled.

By Ghana Para-Powerlifting Association

 Mr. John Manfo, manager of Wasiru Mohammed is optimistic that his ward will come out victorious in his next fight in South Africa on November 23.

Wasiru Mohammed aka Gyatabi will take on Kaine Fourie in a 10 rounds international lightweight fray at The Box Camp - Bodysens.

According to Mr. Manfo, they have prepared very well and just looking forward to the day to deliver.

He was hopeful and very confident that Wasiru Mohammed will win to keep his unbeaten record.

The former WBO Global Bantamweight Champion left the boxing scene for a while,  and it was the influence of Mr. John Manfo and others that brought him back.

Coach Lartekwei Lartey says Wasiru Mohammed is always ready and the bout in South Africa will be a great test and exposure.

"Trust Wasiru to win" he assured.

Mr. John Manfo who was trained in the United Kingdom is an executive board member of the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA).

He is a fan of Professor Azumah Nelson, the boxing legend of Africa who named Wasiru Mohammed – ‘Gyatabi’.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The 89^th edition of the Ghana Open Golf Tournament tees off from November 13 and ends on November 16^{th, 2024} at the Royal Golf Club in Kumasi in the Ashanti Region.

All the top golfers in the country are supposed to register and participate as there are fantastic prizes at stake for winners.

A few weeks ago, the Ghana Golf Association executives meet a section of the sports media who are interested in golf reporting and urged them to commit to the promotion and propagation of golf as a preferred sport.

Mr. Michael Aggrey, former president of the Ghana Golf Association in a chat with Yours Truly said the Ghana Open has been very competitive over the years and hoped for an exciting tournament. He was optimistic that the participation would be great.

A number of companies are sponsoring the event to make it successful.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

… Popular Boxers, Ring Warrior Takyi, Aryeetey, Dorgbetor, Quaye And Ansah Bullet On The Bill

The people of Madina and its environs will witness some good and exciting boxing this weekend as Ace Power Promotions stage the ring on November 16th at Center Point Mall (Atomic Junction).

According to ACE Power Promotions General Manager, Mr. Isaac Amankwaah, the bill is dubbed ‘From Street to Champions’ and it aims at unearthing and grooming new young talents in the amateur rants to replace the Black Bombers who have turned professional.

“We want to tap and impact on the youth interested in boxing” he expressed.

He noted that boxers who do well may be signed on by Ace Power Promotions and given opportunity to box in the USA.

Featuring are Holy Dorgbetor who defends his IBF Intercontinental Featherweight title against Loko from Benin.

Samuel Quaye faces Mivhael Ansah aka One Bullet for the National Super Lightweight Title.

Samuel ‘Ring Warrior’ Takyi, the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Bronze Medalist and Gold winner at the 13^th African Games takes on Emmanuel Quartey aka ‘Akufo Addo’ who also won Bronze at the Mauritius African Games, some years back.

Mohammed Aryeetey aka ‘Golden Star’ who also won a medal at the 13^th African Games will parade on the bill as well as other crack boxers.

Grab your tickets at street2champions.org starting at only 30ghc and 300ghc for VIP Ringside.

The final press conference and weigh in comes on at the venue of the fight on Friday, November 15, 2024.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Mrs. Joyce Mahama, President of Women Sports Association of Ghana (WOSPAG) was last Sunday elected President of the continental body, African Women In Sports Association (AWISA) at the MPlaza Hotel in Accra, Ghana.

Madam Hadijah Namanda from Uganda got the nod for Vice President position with

Stephanie from Seychelles was elected as Secretary.

Lisa from Namibia got the Assistant Secretary position with Grace Asiam from Ghana as the Treasurer.

Madam Anna from Angola who lost the presidency was elected Regional Chairperson for Region 5. Ms. Hannah Bennie from Ghana won as Regional Chairperson for Region 2 which is for West Africa. Five chairpersons were elected for the five regions under the association as demarcated by the African Union (AU) with some retaining their positions.

Other elected executives were Anna Ferreira from Angola, Stephanie from Seychelles, Sheila Dasha Mauritius and Elizabeth Ngulungu from Namibia to represent the various regions, including Corol Garose former Vice President from Namibia to offer her rich experience in women sports management and administration.

According to Madam Mahama their numbers will increase as other countries get involved,  however six nations had voting rights and four voted for her, while two voted for her opponent.

The GOC president, Nii Kojo Ashifi Papanyinra 1aka Mr. Ben Nunoo Mensah who graced the event tasked AWISA to keep to their mandated and work hard to achieve their objectives.

He touched on gender equity, equity and called for inclusion of girls and boys in participation and competition.

Madam Mahama hinted that their dream is to united bring together African women in sports and encourage more women.to participate in sports at the high level and win medals for the continent.

According to Mrs. Mahama her vision as president of the association was to unite African women in sports and ensure a fight against violence in respect of women in sports.

She noted that the association was mandated to handle gender equality, discrimination against women, adding that, “We have to make sure women in sports were comfortable and have funds to enable the association work for the common good of all.”

She said the International Olympic Committee (IOC) seeks to promote women participation in sports, whether competitive or recreational.

Furthermore, Mrs. Mahama promised to promote Ampe, a popular traditional sport to become a recognised sporting discipline within the African sub-region before the end of her four-year tenure.

She appealed to corporate bodies to support the association to achieve its intentions and goals.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Michael Decardi Nelson, 8-0-1 is one of Ghana’s budding talents in boxing. He has been given a grand opportunity to showcase his talent in India on November 30^th at White Housse in Bengaluru.

He has been under the management of Box Office for a while and this upcoming bout will certainly expose him and add to his experience.

The 22 year old is optimistic of victory.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

  21-year-old Ghanaian amateur standout Joseph Commey will follow in the footsteps of a select few incredible boxers by making his professional debut in a championship fight.

On November 24 at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra, live world-wide on DAZN, he will face compatriot Richman Ashelley (11-4, 10 KOs) for the vacant Universal Boxing Organization™ (UBO) Africa Lightweight title.

Vasyl Lomachenko won the WBO International title in his first pro fight in 2013, and Andy Cruz secured the IBF International belt in his debut last year. It has happened on other occasions too, but you have to be a special talent to go straight to championship level in your pro debut.

And Commey is a special talent! Nicknamed “The Jaguar”, he had to settle for silver at the 2022 Commonwealth games in the United Kingdom, as he was pulled from the final due to illness.

This past March he won gold at the All Africa games, and made it to the third round of the world Olympic qualifiers in Bangkok.

In 2023 he had also come up short in the third round of the Africa Olympic qualifiers in Senegal, and many believes his style is more suited for the pro game than the amateurs.

In August Commey had a little taste of the professionals, when he won a semi-professional bout (IBA-pro) in Ethiopia, and now he is ready to go all out against the hard-punching Ashelley.

Three other UBO title fights are set for “Ghana For Peace Fight Night”, promoted by Box Office Sports in association with BROWNED WORLDWIDE.

Prince Patel will face Maxwell Awuku for the UBO world Welterweight title, Tony Bange squares off with Eliasu Sulley for the UBO world Super Middleweight title, and UBO Africa Welterweight titlist Sampson Segbedzi defends against Isaac Commey.

Source uboboxing.com