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).
