Ghana currently boasts an impressive six WBO Africa champions, showcasing the country’s growing boxing talent.
These champions include Haruna Osumanu (Heavyweight), Jacob Laryea (Junior Middleweight), Faisal Abubakar (Super Lightweight), Sheriff Quaye (Lightweight), John Laryea (Featherweight), and Daniel Gorsh (Bantamweight).
Sheriff Quaye, ranked 11th in the WBO World Rankings, captured the title in December 2021 with a knockout victory over Tanzanian opponent Emmanuel Amos. He has since successfully defended his belt three times.
Haruna Osumanu, another standout, defeated Nigerian Idris Affini via a round-six technical knockout to claim the WBO Africa Heavyweight championship.
John Laryea first had a taste of what it feels like to be a continental title holder when he stopped the then-champion, Sebastianus Nataneal from Namibia in the fourth round. He is a two time WBO Africa Champion.
Jacob Tetteh Laryea, ranked 17th in the world, secured the WBO Africa Super Welterweight title by defeating Richmond Djarbeng of Ghana.
Faisal Abubakar defeated Ugandan boxer Latibu Muwonge to become the World Boxing Organization’s Africa Super Lightweight champion in March 2024. He has defended his title once and also rated 17th in the world.
Daniel Gorsh, the most recent addition to Ghana’s WBO Africa champions, defeated Ghislain Vodounheesi of Benin to claim the Bantamweight title on September 21, 2024.
Four of these WBO champions are trained by Coach Carl Lokko at the Bronx Boxing Gym in Jamestown.
According to boxing experts, the gym’s success can be attributed to its effective technical training and managerial support.
Coach Lokko emphasizes the importance of desire, determination, discipline, and hard work in his gym. He also commends the boxers’ managers for providing fatherly advice and financial support.
Coach Lokko hailed his technical assistants at the Bronx Boxing Gym for their contribution and especially Mr. Sammy Anim Addo, CEO of the Bronx Boxing Promotions as well as Aspiring NDC Member of Parliament, Hon Nii Kotey Ashie.
“I can also say we are very united at the Bronx Gym as we support each other”.
By Sammy Heywood Okine
