It was dubbed “Thunder Strike”: a night of stellar pugilistic displays embellished with two Championship conflagrations.
Jacob Tetteh Laryea aka Chorkor Fire who beat Emmanuel Quaye in April to clinch the West African Boxing Union Super Welterweight title, did a number on Richmond Djarbeng (32 -5 -2) to emerge WBO Africa Super Welterweight Champion.
The Bronx Boxing Gym product stopped an experienced and well travelled Djarbeng in just the opening round.
The event, promoted jointly by Swavy Blu and Bronx Promotions also saw Ghana National Heavyweight King Osumanu “Saabo” Haruna shrug off a resolute challenge from Nigerian slugger: Idriss Afinni via a technical decision.
A headbutt in round five opened a gaping gush on Haruna’s left eyebrow, hence resorting to the cards where “Saabo”: The Serenading boxer and former Black Bomber won the WBO Africa Heavyweight title.
Boxing lovers at The Golden Beach Resort in Korle Gonno, Accra, sprang, jubilating in spontaneity as the verdicts were announced – but more was to follow.
In other eqally entertaining bouts, Daniel Gorsh beat Raymond Commey in a Super Bantamweight contest, John Abaja Laryea aka Expensive Boxer pummelled Isaac Dowuona aka Zongo after seven rounds of enthralling action.
The night also featured the crowning of Sheriff Quaye as the WBO Africa Best Boxer of 2023 by Mr Samir Captan.
Jacob “The Beast” Dickson defeated Gabriel Adoku in two, while John “The Monster” Zile broke down a stubborn Komlangan Hounkpatin from Togo in five of an international contest.
Ivorian Modibo Keita engaged Nigerian Wilson Doula in a Welterweight encounter, the former earning a stoppage win in round two.
Felix Nunoo and Stephen Coffie notched impressive wins over Joseph Adu and John Oblitey Commey respectively.
Head Trainer Lawrence Carl Lokko of the Bronx Boxing Gym was highly elated seeing several of his boxers perform creditably on the night.
New Light Heavyweight sensation Jon Power (Jonathan Mbanugo) scored his second win in as many bouts, knocking out Zakaria Salifu in two rounds.
Gabriel Coffie kept his undefeated record with a win over Samuel Danso in a Lightweight fray.
Heavyweight debutant Nelson Awumey from the Bronx Boxing Gym knocked out Emmanuel Annor in round two: bringing a fitting end to an explosive night of boxing which had GBA President Abraham Kotei Neequaye, WBO Africa Representative Samir Captan, Bronx Promotions CEO Sammy Anim Addo, DAZN boxing pundit Ade Oladipo, GBF Veep Dauda Fuseini and Swavy Blu capo Manasseh Tagoe in attendance.
Media coverage was by Ace TV, Med Sports, I Box TV, Jamestown TV, TV3 and Sam Nana Gold.
By Samuel Opoku Amoah Gold
(Sam Nana Gold)