Profile : Daniel Somotey, a Professional Boxer From Swedru

It is often the case to find boxers in Accra, who have relocated from one of the fifteen other Regions in pursuit of their dreams; this is the story of Daniel Somotey.

Daniel Somotey fought on Fight Night 1 of the Season 2 of the Ghana Professional Boxing League against Ghana Prison Service’s Sergeant Anani Kutsokey. The arrival at the Bukom Boxing Arena has been a 3 year learning journey at the Will Power Gym in Accra.

Daniel was born in Swedru in the Eastern Region of Ghana. Boxing, according to the Daniel has always been his choice sport. However, with little avenue to learn the sport in his hometown growing up, he could only nurse his dreams and what being a boxing would be.

He said “I have been learning boxing for 3 years now. I have always loved the sport but I never had the opportunity because I was born in Swedru. I did not see boxing happening around me because of where I was born. Secondly, I’m schooling and it was difficult to add boxing to my studies.”

“I want to use boxing to help my family. No one in my family has achieved greatness, hence, I want to use boxing to build a legacy for my family.”

The scarcity of boxing clubs across the country is making talent identification difficult. Somotey (25 years) got his chance to learn boxing when he moved to Accra at age 20.

The boxer, who trains under Coach Nii Larbie (father of popular Ghanaian junior boxer, Prince Larbie) said he visited a number of clubs before finally settling on Will Power Boxing Club.

When Daniel is not boxing, he works as a Surpervior at a Pub. He hopes to find a manager so he can focus on boxing full time.

Speaking about his recent fight:

“My last fight was a good fight. It’s unfortunate that I lost. I have watched my bout several times since Saturday. I have observed my mistakes, and my corner have advised me on how to make amends. That is the next action plan.”