History

In the annals of Ghanaian sports history, the roots of amateur boxing extend back to the dawn of the 20th century, circa 1900, marked by the organization of indigenous amateur boxing bouts. These early pugilistic encounters showcased bare-knuckle fist fighting, featuring both singular contests and inter-clan face-offs known as Asafo Atsere.

A pivotal moment unfolded in 1926 when an expatriate District Commissioner named WILLIAMS, stationed in Accra, orchestrated boxing matches behind his bungalow. Collaborating with Lt. Col Banford, a colonial Police Commissioner, they elevated the sport by hosting Amateur Boxing Championships at the Nsawam Cadbury and Fry yard.

The interwar period until the 1950s witnessed the prominence of boxing clubs such as the Community Centre Boxing Club, Marconi Boxing Club, CYO Boxing, and Golden Gloves Boxing Club on the Ghanaian amateur boxing scene. These stalwarts were later joined by Attoh Quarshie Boxing Club, Billy Korey Memorial Boxing Club, Harding School of Boxing, Zion Boxing Club, and others. Presently, the Accra metropolis alone boasts over fifty boxing clubs.

A noteworthy aspect is that eight out of Ghana’s ten world champions emerged from the crucible of Ghana Amateur Boxing. The exceptions to this rule are DK Poison and Emmanuel “Game Boy” Tagoe. Following a period of decline, amateur boxing in Ghana experienced a resurgence, propelled by the recent triumphs of the Black Bombers at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Notably, 20-year-old featherweight Samuel Takyi clinched Ghana’s sole medal (Bronze), securing the distinction of being Africa’s only boxing medalist at the Games.

Transitioning to the narratives of the Ghana Boxing Federation (GBF) and the Black Bombers, Ghana’s foray into international amateur boxing competitions dates back to the 1940s and continues into the post-independence era. Notable figures like Roy Ankrah, Clement Ike Quartey Snr, Prince Amartey, Azumah Nelson, and others have left an indelible mark, dominating the world stage in their respective divisions.

In the 21st century, the Black Bombers, represented by Samir Bastir, Jesse Manyo Plange, Duke Micah, Isaac Dogbe, and Samuel Takyi, have transitioned into the realm of professional boxing, making significant impacts in their respective ranks. Azumah Nelson underscores the crucial role of the amateur level in honing skills, emphasizing its role in preparing boxers for the exacting standards of professionalism.

Looking ahead, the Black Bombers aim to build on their success, with the 2022 National Amateur Boxing Championship serving as a platform to select and nurture a new national team and youth team dubbed the BLACK ROCKETS. Established figures like Walid Omar, Jesse Lartey, Sulemanu Tetteh, and Shakul Samed continue to contribute their wealth of experience to the team’s endeavors.

The GBF’s commitment to promoting women’s participation in boxing is evident, with previous initiatives featuring female boxers in international competitions. Dr. Ornella Sathoud, a USA-based middleweight, and Faruza Osman, a young Army recruit, exemplify the emerging talent within the women’s boxing landscape. The GBF acknowledges the exposure gained and anticipates positive impacts on future engagements and budding talents.

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7th September, 2023: Ghana’s Journey at the Africa Olympic Boxing Qualifiers

Ghana’s participation in the Africa Olympic Boxing Qualifiers for Paris 2024, held in Dakar, Senegal from the 9th to the 15th of September 2023, was a significant milestone in the annals of Ghanaian boxing history. Led by the Ghana Boxing Federation (GBF), the national boxing teams, known as the Black Bombers and Hitters, embarked on a journey to secure coveted spots at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Selection and Pre-Tournament Preparations: The journey commenced with a rigorous selection process, culminating in the formation of the national teams through events like “The Independence Day Rumble” at the Bukom Boxing Arena, Accra. Following this, selected boxers underwent intensive training, including a residential program at the Trust Sports Emporium Hostel and Gym in Accra, to prepare for the 13 weight categories available for the Olympic Qualifiers.

Competition and New Qualification Rules: The competition kicked off with a technical meeting on September 7th, followed by bouts starting on the 9th. Despite valiant efforts from Team Ghana, securing victories in several bouts, including notable wins by Janet Acquah, Joseph Commey, and Abdul Wahib Omar, the team faced challenges, ultimately missing out on qualification spots for Paris 2024.

Challenges Faced and Recommendations: The new qualification format, coupled with behavioral and discipline issues among some boxers, presented challenges during the tournament. While setbacks were encountered, the experience underscores the need for enhanced support and strategic planning for Ghana’s amateur boxing program. Recommendations include revisiting training strategies, fostering collaborations with boxing programs globally, and investing more comprehensively in the development of Ghanaian boxers.

The Way Forward: The outcomes of the 2023 Senegal qualifiers serve as a call to action for Ghana to reinvigorate its commitment to boxing. With a rich history in the sport and recent successes at international events like the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Ghana has the potential to excel on the global stage. By prioritizing structured preparation, fostering partnerships, and providing robust support systems, Ghana can empower its boxers to achieve excellence and bring honor to the nation.

Credit: GBF MEDIA