Exactly a month to Christmas, Ghana’s Super Lightweight champion, Faisal “Poncho Power” Abubakari will square off with Belgium’s southpaw and IBO Continental super lightweight champion Antoine Vanackere in a 10 round Super lightweight contest from the Dome Arena, Charleroi, Hainaut, Belgium.
The 12 Rounds Promotion event will see the undefeated Ghanaian pugilist and his nemesis Vanackere, headlining the event. This is going to be Abubakari’s first career fight outside the shores of Ghana.
In an exclusive interview, this is what he shared on the fight;
“Great feelings and this is what me and my people have been praying for. This is a big opportunity not only for me, but also to my entire team and my family.”
On his opponent
“I watch his fight everyday. I see this fight as a done deal for me and wants to show everyone that this is what I do here in Ghana [winning].”
What Ghanaians Should Expect
“I’m not going there to play. I’m going to be my own referee and make sure that I beat him for everyone to know that I’ve beaten him.
Even though the fight is for 10 rounds, the maximum I’ve given myself is 8 rounds. I’m going to stop him before the end of round 8.”
Why Faisal believes he’s going to win
“When I watch some of his fights, I know he can’t stand me. He hasn’t reached the level of boxing I’ve reached and therfore I know I’m going to stop him. The IBO Continental super lightweight title is going to be at stake, hence I’ve taken this fight personal to prove to my manager and rest of the team what I can do.”
When will Team Abubakari set off from Ghana?
“We will be setting off to Belgium on 23rd November, then have a rest for the weigh-in on 24th before the fight on 25th.
“I’ve also taken notice that our boxes for a while now have been losing fights outside Ghana, I have to change that narrative from this fight.”
Poncho Power Abubakari (15-0, 13KOs) will be the first undefeated opponent Antoine Vanackere (20-1, 11KOs) is going to face come November 25. The Belgian southpaw’s last time out was against Leonardo Uzcategui (22-9-3, 16KOs) on April 22 this year for the 2nd successful defence of the IBO Continental strap he won in July 2021.
It’s going to be a real test for Faisal Abubakari after countless defeats suffered recently by Ghanaians who fought abroad. With many boxing fans in Ghana having so much hope in the Charles Quartey Foundation prodigy, Abubakari vows to overcome the promoter’s boy come fight night next month.
By Winfred Siegu Worlanyo Yaw