Boxing lovers have longed for the return of boxing in Ghana with bated breath. Following the death of boxer Ernest Akushey eleven days after a bout, the Sports Ministry and National Sports Authority found it necessary to suspend the sport temporarily in order to set pragmatic structures and medical protocols inuring to the safety of boxers and all involved in the sport.
This led to the formation of the Ghana Boxing Interim Management Committee chaired by Samir Captan and Azumah Nelson.
Thus after strenuously sanitising the systemic regulations, boxing in Ghana was set to resume and indeed it was no other place than Tarkwa on November 28th.
New entrant Gyata Boxing Promotions spearheaded by Ali Salifu popularly known as "Tarkwa Gyata " made history on Friday night successfully staging a boxing show - first of many to come, in Tarkwa.
Located in the Western Region of Ghana, Tarkwa is known as a town rich in mineral deposits like gold, diamond etc, hence a greater part of the indigenes engage in mining.
The event, sanctioned by the Ghana Boxing Interim Management Committee ( GBIMC) marked the resumption of boxing activities in Ghana after a suspension of the sport and was the perfect opportunity for the GBIMC to operationalise medical protocols which had been put in place to ensure boxers' safety.
The medical team headed by Dr.Hadi Abdallah, also had Drs. Eric and Rafik on board respectively, seeing to a rigorous pre and post fight medical assessment for every boxer. There were also different ambulances : some dedicated to the boxers and others to the attendees of the event.
Dubbed " The Wassaman Boxing Explosion", the event was attended by thousands of people, who thronged the TnA Stadium ( an excellent facility) not just to witness a night of boxing and entertainment but also to catch a glimpse of the boxing legend and three-time world champion Azumah Nelson : Special Guest and Vice Chairman of the GBIMC.
The night saw former WBO Africa and Global Champion Wasiru Mohammed and 2018 Commonwealth bronze medalist Jessie Lartey record stoppage wins over Mustapha Ampiah and Isaac Quartey respectively.
Middleweight contender Nathaniel Suppey made light work of Felix Mankattah, who couldn't live up to his pre-fight bragging.
Current WIBF featherweight champion Abigail Quartey of the Black Panthers Gym beat Taiye Kodjo in the only female bout on the bill.
Debutant Edward Laryea scored a technical knockout win over veteran Enoch Lamptey in a Welterweight contest.
National title challenger Habib Kehinde Giwa still seeking a rematch against Sampson Segbedzi returned to winning ways, knocking out Daniel Tetteh.
Heavyweight Haidar Al Birak and John Dugu put on a show, but it was the Agbogboloshie based Dugu who succumbed in the end.
Cabic Management duo Emmanuel Mankattah Sackey and Michael Darko impressed as they dispatched off their opponents in devastating fashion.
Juvenile boxers were not left out as Jason Xorlali Cobblah, Joshua Martey, Kelvin Amemu pitched against the Ablorh trio of Razak, Ibrahim and Mohammed thrilled patrons with their dazzling precocity and savviness of the " Sweet Science.
Crowning the night were the two Tarkwa based boxers trained by Coach Moses Domenyo : Francis "Ojoo" Otoo ( and Abdul Ghaffar Adam whose ring entrances got the home crowd into a frenzy.
The fans went agog when Ghaffar stopped Emmanuel Odoi in their super welterweight bout and were again flung into a state of ecstasy when " Ojoo" knocked out Akotolante native Richard Ashong in a heavyweight showdown scheduled for 4 rounds.
The scenes were electrified with performances by Ayisem, Kwaw Kesse, Medikal and an appearance by internet sensation Shatta Bandle.
Azumah Nelson encouraged influential persons especially in Tarkwa to water the " Boxing Seed" sown by promoter Tarkwa Gyata and his associates to enable it flourish and not be a flash in the pan. Accompanied by his manager Yaw Sakyi, an ever cheerful, ever modest Azumah Nelson never turned down a photo request from admirers ; he freely interacted, graciously counselled and truly inspired all who came to him.
Looking teary and drenched with endorphin driven emotions, Ali Salifu ( Tarkwa Gyata) thanked thanked the MP for Tarkwa Nsuaem Hon Issa Salifu Taylor, the MCE Hon Ebenezer Cobbinah, Mr Danladi Salifu and a host people who offered immense support. He was grateful for the huge patronage and hinted more boxing events in Tarkwa, " The aim is to get a world champion from Tarkwa, " he revealed.
Being a youth leader and activist, the promoter also utilised the platform to campaign against drug abuse. He advised the
young people to stay away from drugs and pursue meaningful pursuits.
Matchmaker and Ring Announcer for the night Samuel Opoku Amoah ( Sam Nana Gold) , Match Commissioner Jingles Gideon Oyiadzo, Co Promoter Oxford Amoah ( Oxmart Boxing), Francis Williams Jnr ( Sparrow) Ernest Ofori, Laatekwei Lartey, the medical and all officials, worked assiduously, defying an initial downpour to set up a truly remarkable and historic night of boxing in the gold-rich town of Tarkwa.
Boxing lovers can anticipate even bigger bouts before the year draws to a close, and can also be assured of prime safety for all involved in boxing.
By Samuel Opoku Amoah
( Sam Nana Gold)
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