Ghana currently boasts of six WBO Africa Champions.
They are Haruna Osumanu (Heavyweight), Jacob Laryea aka Chorkor Fire (Jnr Middleweight), Faisal Abubakar aka Poncho Power (Super Lightweight), Sheriff Quaye aka One Time (Lightweight), John Laryea aka Expensive (Featherweight) and Daniel Gorsh aka Emperor (Bantamweight).
Sheriff Quaye captured the title in December 2021 with a knockout victory over Tanzanian opponent Emmanuel “Sniper Man” Amos (18-8, 11 KOs). Since then, he’s successfully defended his belt three times.
Haruna Osumanu became the new WBO Africa Heavyweight champion when he defeated 39-year-old Nigerian Idris Affini via a round-six technical knockout.
John Laryea first had a taste of what it feels like to be a continental title holder when he stopped the then-champion, Sebastianus Nataneal from Namibia in the fourth round. He is a two-time WBO Africa Champion.
Jacob Tetteh Laryea aka Chorkor Fire beat Richmond Djarbeng to emerge WBO Africa Super Welterweight Champion. He is rated 17th in the world.
Faisal Abubakar defeated Ugandan boxer Latibu Muwonge to become the World Boxing Organization’s Africa Super Lightweight on Sunday, March 3, 2024. He has defended once and also rated 17th in the world.
Daniel Gorsh defeated Ghislain Vodounheesi of Benin to become new WBO Africa Bantamweight Champion on September 21, 2024.
Four of WBO Africa champions are trained by Coach Carl Lokko at the Bronx Boxing Gym in Jamestown, including Sheriff Quaye, who is rated 11th in the WBO World Rankings.
According to some boxing experts interviewed, the Bronx Boxing Gym might be doing something right, either technically, managerial or both.
When Yours Truly met Coach Lokko, he said “It is desire, determination, discipline and hard work, because in our gym, everyday is business day”.
He commended the managers of the boxers for giving fatherly advice and financial support.
Coach Lokko hailed his technical assistants for their contribution and especially Mr. Sammy Anim Addo, CEO of the Bronx Boxing Promotions as well as Aspiring NDC Member of Parliament, Hon Nii Kotey Ashie.
“I can also say we are very united at the Bronx Gym as we support each other”.
For more on the Bronx Gym, watch Omashi TV on Friday at 8pm.
By Sammy Heywood Okine