Meet Benard Abbey, GABA Welterweight Champion 2021
Benard Abbey is considered one of the favorites in the 2022 National individual Championship. The 19 year old boxer trains at the Discipline Boxing Gym in Accra.
In 2021, Benard had a good year coming up top at the Greater Accra Regional Elite championship. He is participating in the 2022 National Individual Championship and has won 2 (two) bouts making his way into the quarterfinals.
Benard began boxing with the likes of John Commey, Selassie and Samuel Takyi at age 7, often fighting in open outdoor fights organized around Post Office (Accra) by young men in the community. He resides in Atukpai, trains from Monday to Friday at Discipline Gym under the guidance of these five (5) coaches; Ishmeal Doku aka Coach Willie (Head Coach, Discipline Boxing Club), Coach Emmanuel Quaye, Alhaji, Coach Foster Malm and Nii Bonney.
According to the rising athlete, boxing has changed since the time he started. When they started, they did not have such regular tournaments with these juvenile and scholarship opportunities. He acknowledged the boxing authorities for the work they are putting into the sport and asked journalists to make time to put the spot light on young boxers.
He explained that since he started boxing, this is the second time he’s doing an interview and he’s realized that, it takes much bravery when fighting in the ring.
Benard disclosed to BoxinGhana.com that his ambition is to take over the lightweight division, he explained that, that is why he dropped down in weight from welterweight. He hopes to become a member of the national team (Black Bombers) and pick up Gold for team Ghana at international championships.
In his own words, he said “I was training here with Samuel Takyi, he has won something for Ghana , I can also win gold.
Benard Abbey is a boxer who takes inspiration from Ike ‘Bazooka’ Quartey and believes that they have a lot in common; in skills and fighting style. He also took the opportunity to apologize to his fans for his last performance. He explained that the opponent was tough, and promised to fight harder in the remaining bouts of the tournament.
In the next 5 years, Benard’s ambition is to make his way to the professional ranks to win a world title for Ghana. He also added that, formerly he did not think he could achieve much with Boxing but now he sees a future, one that is bright.
Photo credit: Image Sports