GBF

Uncategorized


November 2, 20240

Clement Ike Quartey Snr, the first African athlete to win an Olympic medal, passed away this morning in London at the age of 86.

Quartey earned a historic silver medal in the Light Welterweight (63.5 kg) category at the 1960 Rome Olympics, just five days before Ethiopia’s Abebe Bikila won Africa’s first Olympic gold.

He is survived by his two children, Clifton and Alex. Clement Quartey was also the elder brother of Ike “Bazooka” Quartey, former WBA Welterweight World Champion.

GBF Media



October 20, 20240

Ghana’s national youth boxing team, the Black Rockets, departed Accra on Saturday night, October 19, 2024, en route to Budva, Montenegro, to compete in the IBA Youth World Championships. The prestigious tournament is scheduled to take place from Sunday, October 20, to Friday, October 25, 2024.

A delegation led by the President of the Ghana Boxing Federation (GBF), DSI Bernard Quartey, was at Kotoka International Airport (KIA) to see off the team. Also in attendance were key GBF executives, including 1st Vice President Alhaji Dauda Fuseini, 2nd Vice President Solomon Otoo Lartey, Treasurer Mustapha Nettey, and Communications Officer Charles Jojo Sergius-Ephson, along with patrons, family members of the boxers, and enthusiastic fans from Bukom, a community renowned for its boxing talent.

GBF President Quartey encouraged the team to use the tournament as a springboard to build their careers and showcase their potential on the global stage. “This is an opportunity to prove that you are the stars of tomorrow,” Quartey remarked.

The Black Rockets, under the guidance of Head Coach Charles Quartey, have been undergoing intensive training for the past three months at the Charles Quartey Boxing Gym. The six boxers representing Ghana in the competition are:

  • George Nii Ayi Nortey Dowouna (Light Flyweight)
  • Mathias Ashitey (Flyweight)
  • Francis Quartey (Featherweight)
  • Ebenezer Ankrah (Lightweight)
  • Levi Nii Ayi Mensah (Light Welterweight)
  • Desmond Pappoe (Light Middleweight)

The athletes, aged 16 to 18, were selected from a local boxing showcase in Accra and are competing in their first major international tournament. Their performances in Montenegro are seen as pivotal steps toward future representation in elite global competitions, including the Olympics, Commonwealth Games, African Games, and World and Africa Championships.

“This is just the beginning of your boxing journey. To become world-class athletes, you must remain disciplined, focused, and respectful,” advised Alhaji Dauda Fuseini, as he urged the boxers to give their best.

The 2024 edition of the IBA Youth World Championships, in which Ghana is participating for the first time, will feature top youth boxers from over 80 countries. The tournament, which has been a springboard for many future stars over the past three decades, offers Ghana’s young talents an invaluable opportunity to shine on the world stage.

— GBF Media

 

39
40
41
previous arrow
next arrow

 



October 12, 20240

Ghana Boxing Federation Receives Significant Support from BOXUP

The Ghana Boxing Federation (GBF) has received a major boost following a generous donation of equipment from BOXUP, a UK-based boxing equipment company. The presentation took place during a well-attended event on Friday evening at the Ga Mashie Hall of the Trust Sports Emporium.

As part of the event, BOXUP, in collaboration with the GBF, showcased exhibition bouts featuring juvenile, youth, and elite amateur boxers, both male and female, highlighting the depth of talent within Ghana’s boxing community.

Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Stephen Addison, CEO of BOXUP, expressed the company’s commitment to supporting Ghanaian boxers, emphasizing that continued success in major international competitions such as the African Games, Commonwealth Games, World Championships, and Olympic Games would bring further opportunities for Ghanaian boxing.

Alhaji Dauda Fuseni, 1st Vice President of the GBF, expressed his gratitude for the donation and stressed the importance of building a stronger relationship between BOXUP and the GBF. He also encouraged the media to continue their active promotion and advocacy for boxing in Ghana.

Receiving the items on behalf of the federation, GBF President DSI Bernard Quartey thanked Dr. Addison and urged the boxers to maintain their hard work, ensuring that Ghana remains a top contender for medals in major international competitions.

GBF Media

#BlackBombers #Boxup #BlackHitters #BlackRockets

 

30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
previous arrow
next arrow



August 12, 20240

Algeria Surpasses Kenya to Lead Africa’s Olympic Boxing Medal Count

Imane Khelif’s gold medal victory at the recently concluded Paris 2024 Olympic Games has propelled Algeria to the top of Africa’s Olympic boxing medal chart.

Representing the continent, 23 boxers (17 women and 6 men) from 10 countries competed, securing two medals—a gold and a bronze—from the 52 available (13 gold, 13 silver, and 26 bronze).

Algeria’s Imane Khelif, competing in the women’s Welterweight (66kg) division, made history by becoming Africa’s first female boxing medalist and clinching her country’s second Olympic gold. Overcoming a heated gender debate, Khelif defeated China’s reigning world champion Yang Liu by unanimous decision, with all five judges scoring each round 10-9 in her favor at the iconic Roland Garros stadium.

The first Algerian to win an Olympic boxing gold was Hocine Soltani at the 1996 Atlanta Games, marking the continent’s second gold in the sport. Khelif’s victory now makes it three.

In the Flyweight (51kg) category, David Pina from Cape Verde claimed bronze, earning his country’s first-ever Olympic boxing medal and adding to the list of African nations with Olympic boxing honors.

As we delve into the history of Africa’s Olympic boxing achievements, excluding South Africa’s apartheid-era records, it’s essential to highlight the continent’s first Olympic gold in boxing, won by Kenya’s Robert Wangila.

To date, only 13 African nations have secured boxing medals at the Olympic Games.

Algeria has emerged as Africa’s most successful Olympic boxing nation, with two gold and five bronze medals.

The late Robert Wangila, who worked as a truck driver for Kenya Breweries, made history by winning Africa’s first Olympic gold medal at the 1988 Seoul Olympics. Wangila’s devastating second-round knockout of France’s Laurent Boudouani in the welterweight division remains a historic moment for the continent.

Wangila’s achievement is credited as Africa’s first Olympic boxing gold, as the six gold medals won by white South African boxers between 1920 and 1960 are often excluded from consideration due to the apartheid era in which they were won.

Kenya’s other Olympic boxing successes include the legendary Philip Waruinge, who secured a bronze in 1968 and a silver in 1972. Waruinge’s brother Sammy Mbogwa, along with Dick “Tiger” Murunga, Ibrahim “Surf” Bilali, and Chris “Bingwa” Sande, contributed to Kenya’s total of seven Olympic boxing medals, a remarkable achievement.

With Imane Khelif’s gold in Paris 2024, Algeria has now climbed to the top of Africa’s Olympic boxing rankings, boasting two gold and five bronze medals, surpassing Kenya, which holds one gold and six bronze medals. Nigeria follows in third place with three silver and three bronze, while Uganda is fourth with three silver and one bronze. Ghana rounds out the top five, led by Clement Ike Quartey, who won Africa’s first-ever Olympic medal in any sport with his silver in Rome 1960. Ghana’s other boxing medals include three bronze, won by Eddie Blay (Tokyo 1964), Prince Amartey (Munich 1972), and Samuel Takyi (Tokyo 2020). Overall, Ghana has five Olympic medals, with four in boxing and one in football.

These five nations are Africa’s top Olympic boxing powerhouses.

Moving down the list, Egypt holds the sixth position with one silver and two bronze medals. Cameroon is seventh with a silver and bronze, followed by Morocco in eighth with four bronze. Tunisia ranks ninth with two bronze medals, while Mauritius, Niger, Cape Verde, and Zambia are tied for tenth, each with one bronze.

In total, 13 African countries have won Olympic boxing medals to date.

Will we see new champions emerge at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics? The stage is set for more African nations to join this prestigious group of medal winners.

By Charles Jojo Sergius-Ephson, Communication Officer, Ghana Boxing Federation (GBF), for AFBC Communications

 

Algeria’s Imane Khelif clinched the women’s Welterweight (66kg) title, becoming the first African female to win an Olympic boxing medal and securing her country’s, as well as the continent’s, third gold medal in the sport.
Clement Ike Quartey, Light Welterweight Boxer
(First African to win a medal at the Olympic Games in any sport, Rome 1960).
Robert Wangila – The first African to win Olympic boxing gold, Seoul 1988.
Samuel Takyi – Featherweight, Tokyo 2020 bronze medalist.

Africa’s only boxing medalist and Ghana’s sole Olympic medalist in 29 years.



July 26, 20240

Countdown to the 2024 Paris Olympic Games: July 27 – August 10

Kenya Tops Africa’s Olympic Games Boxing Medal Chart

As the boxing competition kicks off today with Africa being represented by 23 boxers (17 women and 6 men) from 10 countries, we chronicle the records and history of the continent’s medal winners at the Olympic Games, excluding South Africa’s apartheid-era records.

Kenya’s Boxing Prowess

Kenya stands as Africa’s most successful nation in Olympic boxing, boasting one gold, one silver, and five bronze medals. The late Robert Wangila, a truck driver with Kenya Breweries, secured Africa’s first-ever gold medal in boxing at the 1988 Olympics in Seoul, South Korea. Wangila delivered a stunning knockout against Frenchman Laurent Boudouani in the second round of the welterweight division.

Historical Context

Wangila’s triumph was historic, marking him as the first African boxer to win an Olympic gold medal. Notably, the six gold medals won by white South African boxers between 1920 and 1960 are often excluded from records due to the apartheid era, reinforcing Wangila’s status as Africa’s pioneering Olympic gold medalist in boxing.

Other Kenyan Boxing Legends

Kenya’s Olympic boxing legacy includes Philip Waruinge, the first Kenyan boxer to win an Olympic medal. Waruinge claimed a bronze at the 1968 Olympics and a silver in Munich in 1972. Additional Kenyan boxing heroes include:

– Sammy Mbogwa
– Dick “Tiger” Murunga
– Ibrahim “Surf” Bilali
– Chris “Bingwa” Sande

These athletes contributed to Kenya’s impressive total of seven Olympic boxing medals.

Africa’s Boxing Medalists

To date, only 12 African countries have won boxing medals at the Olympics. The standings are as follows:

1. Kenya: 1 gold, 1 silver, 5 bronze
2. Algeria: 1 gold, 5 bronze
3. Nigeria: 3 silver, 3 bronze
4. Uganda: 3 silver, 1 bronze
5. Ghana: 1 silver, 3 bronze

Ghana’s Boxing Achievements

Ghana’s notable boxing accomplishments include:

– Clement Ike Quartey (Silver, Rome 1960) – Africa’s first-ever Olympic medalist in any sport
– Eddie Blay (Bronze, Tokyo 1964)
– Prince Amartey (Bronze, Munich 1972)
– Samuel Takyi (Bronze, Tokyo 2020)

In total, Ghana has won five Olympic medals, with four in boxing and one in football.

Other African Boxing Nations

Below the top five, other African nations with Olympic boxing medals include:

Egypt: 1 silver, 2 bronze
Cameroon: 1 silver, 1 bronze
Morocco: 4 bronze
Tunisia: 2 bronze
Mauritius, Niger, Zambia: 1 bronze each

Looking Forward to Paris 2024

As we anticipate the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, we hope to see new African winners join this prestigious group of countries that have won Olympic boxing medals.

Chronicle by:
Charles Jojo Sergius-Ephson
Communication Officer of the Ghana Boxing Federation (GBF)
For: AFBC Communications

CLEMENT IKE QUARTEY, Boxing Light Welterweight
(1st African to win medal at the Olympic games in any sporting event, Rome – 1960).

ROBERT WANGILA -the first ever Olympic gold boxing winner – Seoul, 1988.

SAMUEL TAKYI – Featherweight, Tokyo 2020 hero, bronze medalist.

Africa’s only boxing medal winner & Ghana’s sole medal winner after 29 years at the Olympic games.



May 8, 20240

In the buildup to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Ghana’s esteemed national boxing ensemble, the Black Bombers, is intensifying its efforts to secure coveted berths at the upcoming 2nd World Qualifying Tournament in Bangkok, Thailand. Scheduled from May 22nd to June 2nd, 2024, at the Indoor Stadium, this tournament presents a pivotal opportunity with 51 slots up for contention, split between 28 for men and 23 for women.

Having faced setbacks in previous qualifiers held in Senegal and Italy, the forthcoming Bangkok event stands as the definitive battleground for the Black Bombers to clinch their tickets to the global spectacle.

Bolstered by the backing of the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC), the boxers have been rigorously preparing. Since April 3rd, they’ve engaged in a specialized non-residential training regimen at the Accra Sports Stadium. Subsequently, a ten-day residential camp in Accra precedes their departure for the Bangkok challenge.

Among the selected pugilists are Ornella Sathoud, competing in the women’s Middleweight (-75kg) category, alongside UK-based talents Hanina Rexford Cofie (light Middleweight -71kg), Theophilus Allotey (flyweight -51kg), Amadu mohammed (featherweight -57kg), Joseph Commey (Light Welterweight ), Henry Malm (light Middleweight -80kg) and Mark Kodjovi Ahondjo (Super Heavyweight -92kg+). They will be joined by four locally-based fighters for the final push in the Thai capital.

However, an unexpected development emerges as Samuel Takyi, celebrated hero of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, opts out of the team, electing to pursue aspirations in the professional realm. Takyi, who transitioned to the professional circuit following Tokyo, boasts an impressive record of four consecutive wins, all via knockout. Despite his absence, the Black Bombers remain resolute in their pursuit of Olympic glory.

Boxing holds steadfast as Ghana’s premier avenue for medal success in major international competitions. Notably, the nation has secured five Olympic medals since its inaugural participation in 1952, with boxing accounting for four of them. These include Clement Ike Quartey’s Silver in the Welterweight category at the 1960 Rome Olympics, Eddie Blay’s Bronze in the Middleweight division at the 1964 Tokyo and 1972 Munich Games, and Samuel Takyi’s Featherweight bronze at Tokyo 2020.

Compiled by Charles Jojo Sergius-Ephson, Communication Officer of the Ghana Boxing Federation (GBF).

BLACK BOMBERS
WhatsApp Image 2024-03-30 at 8.48.48 PM
WhatsApp Image 2024-04-14 at 10.46.34 AM (2)
WhatsApp Image 2024-03-30 at 8.48.47 PM (1)
WhatsApp Image 2024-04-14 at 10.48.09 AM
WhatsApp Image 2024-04-14 at 10.46.33 AM
WhatsApp Image 2024-04-14 at 10.46.34 AM (1)
previous arrow
next arrow



April 29, 20240

Boxing Hall of Famer Azumah Nelson asserts he will spare no effort when he steps into the ring to face the European Union (EU) Ambassador to Ghana, Irchad Razaaly, in an exhibition match scheduled for May 4 at the Bukom Boxing Arena.

The exhibition bout is set for Saturday, May 4, at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra, marking a significant highlight of the EU Month celebrations slated for May. The event, titled “Diplo Rumble: Empowering Youth Through Sports,” features an 11-fight card, with Azumah Nelson headlining the three-round exhibition catchweight bout against Razaaly, alongside other matchups including his son, Dalvin, and nephew, Mohammed Ablor, a juvenile boxer.

Speaking at the event launch in Accra on Sunday night, Azumah expressed his enthusiasm for participating in the match, citing the platform it provides for young boxers to showcase their talents.

He stressed the importance of discipline in boxing, highlighting Ghana’s potential to produce more world champions given the right dedication and values.

“There is no need to use drugs or be reckless in this sport. We have a lot of world champions, but you need hard work, respect, and humility; then you see where God will take you,” Azumah Nelson said.

Regarding his upcoming bout with the Ambassador, Azumah hinted at a decisive victory, urging spectators to arrive early to catch the action.

“For my fight with the ambassador, I want everybody to come early because all of you know how I do it,” he said.

Ambassador Razaaly, born in Antananarivo, Madagascar, has an amateur boxing background from his native France growing up, shared his excitement for the event and praised Ghana’s sportsmanship, particularly in boxing.

He hoped that the exhibition would contribute to nurturing future Ghanaian boxing talents while celebrating the EU’s commitment to youth development in Ghana.

He was hopeful that the event would provide the opportunity to nurture the next generation of Ghanaian boxers as well celebrate the commitment of the EU to the development of Ghanaian youth.

Another eye-catching fight on the night will see Dalvin Nelson fight on the same bill as his legendary father for the first time when he faces Philip Quansah at lightweight. Kelvin Addy will lock horns with Kelvin Amartey in a light flyweight clash, African Games bronze medalist Theophilus Kpakpo Allotey will clash with Nii Noi Dowuona in a flyweight matchup, Stephen Armah versus Wisdom Barnor (who represented the Republic of Liberia) will fight in a bantamweight contest, Israel Commey will meet David Ankrah at light welterweight, Henry Malm and Rexford Cofie will fight at light middleweight, Jonathan Tetteh will engage Benedict Badu at light heavyweight, and Sara Apew will clash with Janet Acquah in the only female contest.

Ticket prices start at GHS 5, with the fights starting at 5 pm with two bouts in the juvenile category featuring social media sensation Prince “The Buzz” Larbi facing Desmond Papoe and Azumah’s junior sister’s son, Mohammed Ablor, going against Wesley Ayibontey.

Story by: CHARLES JOJO SERGIUS-EPHSON (Communication Officer of the Ghana Boxing Federation – GBF)

GBF MEDIA

WhatsApp Image 2024-04-29 at 4.05.10 AM
WhatsApp Image 2024-04-29 at 4.03.11 AM (1)
WhatsApp Image 2024-04-29 at 4.03.11 AM
WhatsApp Image 2024-04-29 at 4.02.36 AM
previous arrow
next arrow

 



April 25, 20240

The event themed “DIPLO RUMBLE” as part of the celebration of the 2024 European Month, is aimed to showcase the boxing talent of the young athletes in the Bukom and its environs to promote Youth Empowerment through sports.

As a commitment to harnessing the skills and talents of the youth,there will be 10 other bouts involving Juveniles,Youth and Elite Amateur Boxers with the Ghana Boxing Federation(GBF) as the main partner.

The Ambassador who was born in Antananarivo – Madagascar, was once an amateur boxer in his youthful days in his native France.

Below are the full pairings for the 4th May showdown at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra (5:00pm to 9:00pm).

By:
(Charles Jojo Ephson, Communication Officer – GBF)
GBF MEDIA

1
1 (1)
1 (2)
1 (3)
1 (4)
1 (5)
previous arrow
next arrow

Category Contestants
JUVENILE Mohammed Ablor vs Wesley Ayibontey
JUVENILE Prince Larbi vs Desmond Pappoe
LIGHT FLYWEIGHT Kelvin Addy vs Kelvin Amartey
FLYWEIGHT Theophilus Allotey vs Nii Noi Dowuona
BANTAMWEIGHT Stephen Armah vs Wisdom Barnor
LIGHTWEIGHT Philip Quansah vs Dalvin Nelson
LIGHT WELTERWEIGHT Israel Commey vs David Ankrah
LIGHT MIDDLEWEIGHT Henry Malm vs Rexford Cofie
LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT Jonathan Tetteh vs Benedict Badu
Women’s Contest Sarah Apew vs Janet Acquah

 



April 16, 20240

In a strategic move, Ghana has decided to withdraw from the upcoming Mandela African Boxing Cup tournament, scheduled to commence in Durban, South Africa on April 15. This decision comes as the nation sets its sights on the 2nd World Olympic Qualification tournament set to take place in Bangkok, Thailand from May 22 to June 2.

Following in the footsteps of Zambia, who cited financial constraints for their withdrawal, Ghana’s departure marks the second country to opt out of the prestigious event. Charles Jojo Sergius-Ephson, the Communication Officer of the Ghana Boxing Federation (GBF), elucidated that the federation’s primary focus is on channeling resources towards preparing their athletes for the impending Olympic Qualifiers.

In correspondence with AFBC Communication, Jojo stated, “The priority is to prepare our boxers with the limited resources available for the upcoming Olympic Qualifiers in Bangkok, Thailand.” He further disclosed that Ghana will be represented by a contingent comprising six male boxers and one female athlete, the US-based middleweight Ornella Sathoud, weighing in at 75 kilograms.

Jojo highlighted the financial strain caused by the timing of the Mandela tournament, especially following the substantial expenditure incurred during the African Games in Accra. Expressing a sentiment of timing, Jojo remarked, “They should have staged the Mandela Cup after the Olympics in September or October.”

Accompanying the statement was a photograph featuring Ghana’s US-based female middleweight, Dr. Ornella Sathoud, in a previous tournament, underscoring the nation’s commitment to international sporting endeavors.

📸 Photo courtesy: Ghana’s US-based female middleweight Dr. Ornella Sathoud (left) in a past tournament

✍🏼 AFBC Communication

WhatsApp Image 2024-04-14 at 10.48.09 AM
WhatsApp Image 2024-04-14 at 10.46.34 AM (2)
WhatsApp Image 2024-04-14 at 10.46.34 AM (1)
WhatsApp Image 2024-04-14 at 10.46.34 AM
WhatsApp Image 2024-04-14 at 10.46.33 AM
previous arrow
next arrow

 


You cannot copy content of this page