▪️The two promising boxers were supposed to meet in April’s Kenya Open lightweight final at Kaloleni Social Hall but Juma withdrew due to an injury. Now he has fully recovered ready for Omollo

May 12, 2026

Kasarani Youth’s rising star Ben Juma has issued a stern warning to Police’s national champion Emmanuel Omollo, promising fireworks in the lightweight division during the opening leg of the 45th Kenya National Boxing League in Nakuru.

The showdown at Nyayo Gardens, scheduled for May 14-16, 2026, sets the stage for a fiery bout following Omollo’s victory on a walkover against Juma in the Kenya Open lightweight finals at Kaloleni Social Hall.

Ring analysts argue Omollo won the lightweight title on a silver platter without facing Ben Juma who pulled out of the final bout because of an injury sustained in the semi-finals, enabling Omollo clinch the lightweight title on a walkover.

Now Ben has fully recovered and ready to prove he’s the better of the two sensational lightweight boxers who have added more fire! to Kenya boxing.

“I’m not thinking much about Omollo because he isn’t a threat to me, it’s unfortunate I didn’t fight him in the Open finals because I was nursing an injury, I’m ready for him now,” roared Juma in an interview with boxersworld.co.ke ahead of the Nakuru showdown.

There’s also KDF’s IBA World Championships pre-quartefinalist Washington Wandera who still believes he’s the best lightweight despite twice losing to Omollo.

Wandera was beaten by Omollo for the first time in Kisumu during the final leg of the 2025 national league. He again lost to Omollo in the semi-finals of the Kenya Open in April this year at Kaloleni Social Hall, Nairobi.

“I’m not convinced I lost again to Omollo, I beat him,” Wandera told boxersworld.co.ke in an interview after the fight.

Despite twice defeating Wandera, Omollo still respects the KDF boxer whom he says is his friend.

“I can’t look down upon Wandera even if I’ve beaten him twice, this is boxing things change but I’m the best,” says Omollo.

Well, Omollo has to prove himself he’s the best by overcoming the talented Ben Juma, a vicious body puncher who displayed pure class in the Kenya Open Championships.

Ben Juma is aiming to dominate the lightweight berth in this historic 45th season of the Kenya National Boxing League which has since inception in 1981 been recognized as a vital platform for creating champions and promoting the sport across Kenya.

“I believe in myself I want to beat both Omollo and Wandera in Nakuru,” said Juma.

I ask Juma whether he considers Omollo and Wandera as a serious threat in Nakuru.

“None of them are a threat to me, maybe I’m the one who is a threat to them,” said Juma confidently.

Omollo, Ben Juma and Wandera are all aiming to emulate the longest-serving lightweight in Kenya Patrick “Mont” Waweru who represented the national team for 12 years, winning Commonwealth Games silver, African Games gold and two gold medals in the King’s Cup among his accolades.

The other most prominent lightweight achiever so far is Nakuru product Sammy Mbogwa – younger brother to renowned Philip Waruinge – who won a bronze medal at the 1972 Olympic Games. Mbogwa, who moved to Prisons from Nakuru ABC, did however not last long in this particular berth Like Waweru.

Infact he moved to lightweight in the 1972 Olympics to pave way for his brother Waruinge at featherweight.

Among other Kenyan lightweights who shone are 1970 Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Kamau Mbugua, Francis Mbagara who represented Kenya at the 1966 Africa Championships, Eldoret-based Alex Oundo, John Olulu, 1974 Fescaaba champion George Oduori, Edward Kinuthia and Karilus Owino whom Mont Waweru says is the toughest Kenyan opponent he fought.

▪️At the center of this historic occasion stood Dele Jonathan, a Spain-based Nigerian professional whose performance that night remains etched in sporting folklore. Before a roaring home crowd in Lagos, Jonathan rose to the occasion and defeated on Scotland’s reigning champion Jim Watt to claim the Commonwealth Lightweight title. It was a moment of triumph not only for Jonathan but for Nigerian boxing as a whole

May 11, 2026

On May 3, 1975, Nigerian boxing reached a defining milestone at the iconic National Stadium Surulere where Nigeria hosted its first-ever Commonwealth Championship bout—an event that ignited national pride and signaled the country’s growing influence in global boxing.

At the center of this historic occasion stood Dele Jonathan, a Spain-based Nigerian professional whose performance that night remains etched in sporting folklore. Before a roaring home crowd in Lagos, Jonathan rose to the occasion and defeated on Scotland’s reigning champion Jim Watt to claim the Commonwealth Lightweight title. It was a moment of triumph not only for Jonathan but for Nigerian boxing as a whole—the first time the prestigious title changed hands on Nigerian soil.

This remarkable victory elevated Jonathan into elite company. He became the third Nigerian-born boxer to win a Commonwealth title, following the legendary footsteps of Hogan Kid Bassey and Dick Tiger, both of whom captured their crowns abroad in England during the 1950s. Jonathan’s achievement, however, carried a unique national significance—it brought global recognition directly to Nigeria.

Before his professional success, Jonathan had already demonstrated his pedigree by representing Nigeria at the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City, highlighting his early promise and commitment to the sport.

His reign as Commonwealth champion lasted until October 1, 1977, when he lost the title to Guyana’s Lennox Blackmoore—ironically again at the National Stadium in Lagos.

Tragically, Jonathan’s boxing journey was cut short following a severe motor accident that impacted his health, particularly his stomach. Acting on medical advice, he retired from active competition. Yet his love for boxing never waned. He transitioned into coaching, contributing to the sport’s development in Adamawa and Gongola States, and later serving as a respected trainer at D’Rovans Boxing Club under the mentorship of the renowned Francis Aiyegbeni.

Jonathan passed away in 2017, but his legacy endures as a symbol of courage, national pride, and pioneering excellence in Nigerian boxing history.

Legacy and Historical Significance

Dele Jonathan’s victory was more than a title win—it was a statement. It proved that Nigeria could host, produce, and celebrate world-class champions on home soil. His triumph helped inspire future generations of fighters and contributed to the growth of boxing infrastructure and recognition in the country.

 As boxing historians often note:

“True champions don’t just win titles—they change the geography of greatness.”

Jonathan did exactly that—he brought the spotlight to Nigeria.

Another enduring boxing truth reflects his journey:

“A fighter’s greatest victory is not in the ring alone, but in the legacy he leaves behind.”

Closing Remarks

The night of May 3, 1975, remains one of the proudest moments in Nigerian sporting history. Dele Jonathan stood tall under the Lagos lights and delivered a victory that resonated far beyond the ropes. His story is one of resilience, sacrifice, and national honor.

Though he is no longer with us, his name remains forever engraved among Nigeria’s boxing pioneers.

Rest in perfect peace, Champion. Your gloves may be laid to rest, but your legacy continues to fight on.

Debate Questions

1. Where does Dele Jonathan rank among Nigeria’s greatest boxers of all time?

2. Was his victory over Jim Watt one of the most significant moments in African boxing history?

3. How important was hosting a Commonwealth title fight in Nigeria for the sport’s development in the country?

4. Could Dele Jonathan have achieved even greater global success if his career had not been cut short?

5. Between Hogan Bassey, Dick Tiger, and Dele Jonathan—who had the greatest impact on Nigerian boxing legacy?

#BrainBoxingSport

Courtesy African Boxing News

▪️World Championships quarter-finalist Robert Okaka aka Man Ngori leads a star-studded batallion of Kenya’s international boxers to Nakuru for the opening leg of the Kenya National Boxing League

May 11, 2026

The 45th season of the Kenya National Boxing League—Africa’s oldest boxing league—roars to life this week at Nyayo Gardens, Nakuru, from May 14-16, 2026.

As the “Home of Boxing,” Nakuru hosts top boxers in action, marking the first leg of this popular league in Kenya boxing.

With Africa Zone 3 Championships beckoning later this month in Gabon, Boxing Federation of Kenya (BFK) is likely to use the Nakuru show to pick some probables for the Central Africa tournament.

It’s party time in Kenya boxing as BFK will uncork their champagne bottle to toast the 45th year of Africa’s oldest league with a giant cake in tow.

Known for its fervent boxing culture, Nakuru is expected to provide an electrifying and passionate crowd at the open-air Nyayo Gardens venue.

The competition features seasoned boxers looking to maintain their places at the top against hungry, upcoming newcomers.

Headlining the event is KDF’s World Championships quarter-finalist Robert Okaka aka Man Ngori who will use the Nakuru show to warm up for the Zone 3 Championships in Gabon.

Okaka has no opposition but he’s not taking it lightly. He knows he’s the man to beat in the light-heavyweight division.

This leg is critical for early momentum, with boxers using it to secure spots for upcoming Zone 3 Championships, making it a must-watch event for Kenyan sports fans and Nakuru’s boxing addicts.

boxersworld.co.ke

▪️Daniel Dubois Reclaims Heavyweight Glory — Stops Fabio Wardley in Epic 11th-Round War to Become Two-Time World Champion

May 9, 2026

British heavyweight boxing witnessed another unforgettable chapter as Daniel Dubois produced a dramatic comeback performance to stop Fabio Wardley in the 11th round and capture the WBO Heavyweight Championship, becoming a two-time heavyweight world champion.

In what is already being celebrated as one of the greatest British heavyweight clashes in modern boxing history, Dubois showed extraordinary resilience, courage, and championship spirit after being knocked down twice during a brutal contest inside Manchester’s roaring arena.

Wardley, defending his title for the first time, appeared to be on the verge of securing the biggest victory of his career after flooring Dubois twice and controlling key stretches of the fight with sharp combinations and relentless aggression.

But champions are defined by how they respond under fire.

Dubois dug deep into his reserves and mounted a remarkable comeback, gradually breaking Wardley down with thunderous body shots and crushing right hands. By the championship rounds, the momentum had shifted completely.

In the 11th round, Dubois unleashed a savage sequence of brutal punches that left Wardley battered and badly marked. With Wardley suffering severe facial injuries and unable to intelligently defend himself, the referee stepped in to halt the contest.

The victory improves Dubois’ professional record to 23 wins in 26 fights, further cementing his status among the elite heavyweights of this era.

For Wardley, this was the first defeat of his professional career, bringing his record to 22 fights: 20 wins, 19 knockouts, 1 loss, and 1 draw. Though defeated, his courage and determination elevated his reputation enormously.

A Historic Comeback for Daniel Dubois

This triumph represents one of the most remarkable redemption stories in recent heavyweight history.

After suffering setbacks and criticism earlier in his career, many doubted whether Dubois possessed the resilience needed to return to the summit.

He answered every question in spectacular fashion.

As legendary trainer Cus D’Amato once said:

“A hero and a coward both feel the same fear — it is what they do with it that matters.”

Dubois embodied those words perfectly.

Boxing historian Bert Sugar often remarked:

“Heavyweight boxing has always belonged to men who can rise when all logic says they should fall.”

Tonight, Daniel Dubois proved he belongs in that company.

British boxing analysts have already described this battle as:

“A modern British heavyweight classic — courage, skill, punishment, survival, and redemption all rolled into eleven unforgettable rounds.”

What This Means for British Heavyweight Boxing

This fight will stand as a defining moment in the proud tradition of British heavyweight wars.

From legendary domestic battles of the past to this new classic, Dubois vs Wardley now joins the conversation among Britain’s most memorable heavyweight encounters.

For Dubois, this opens the door to massive future clashes against the biggest names in world boxing.

For Wardley, this defeat may become the experience that shapes him into an even greater fighter.

As boxing history repeatedly proves:

“Defeat does not define greatness — response does.”

Closing Remarks

Daniel Dubois has once again climbed boxing’s highest mountain.

He was dropped. He was hurt. He was tested beyond measure.

Yet he refused to surrender.

Instead, he rose from adversity to seize championship glory and etch his name deeper into British boxing history as the new WBO Heavyweight Champion.

Fabio Wardley may have fallen short, but his courage in defeat ensured his stock rises even in loss.

This was more than a fight.

This was heavyweight boxing at its absolute finest.

Memorable Quote

“True champions are not those who never fall, but those who rise stronger every time they do.”

Debate Questions

1. Where does Dubois vs Wardley rank among the greatest British heavyweight fights of all time?

2. Has Daniel Dubois now fully silenced all doubts about his championship heart?

3. Can Fabio Wardley return stronger and become world champion again?

4. Is Daniel Dubois now Britain’s most dangerous active heavyweight?

@Brain Boxing

▪️The pride of Dallas Muthurwa Caleb Kuya was the darling of Kenya boxing known for his artistic style in the ring. He was in sparkling form in the 1985 season remaining unbeaten until the Peter Morris lad from Nakuru boxing factory made a big statement with a second round KO victory infront of dignitaries that included the ABA of Kenya chairman Major Marsden Madoka

May 9, 2026

The first ever dinner boxing event in Kenya on the night of October 26, 1985, was a glitzy affair with the air inside the 680 ballroom thick with the scent of roast chicken, beef and all the preliminaries ahead of the main menu.

It was the dawn of dinner boxing with a sizeable number of guests and fans. The ABA of Kenya was using the contest to select Kenyan boxers to represent Africa in the fourth World Cup Championships in Seoul, South Korea.

Coming off a massive Kenya Open victory in Mombasa where he outpointed NCC’s Ben Ado in the final, Kuya was riding high as the overwhelming favourite to defeat DK Kamau forgetting that during that Golden Era in Kenya boxing, each weight was crowded with at least five strong opponents.

He had seen it for himself during the Kenya Open in Mombasa when Prisons’ Nassir Issa shocked Olympic bronze medallist Ibrahim “Surf” Bilali with a deserved points win at bantamweight in the final.

In other finals bouts at the Kenya Open, Breweries’ light-flyweight Dan “Dante” Mwangi beat KDF’s David Muriuki, flyweight Steve “Dempsey” Mwema outpointed Steve Muchoki’s younger brother, James Maina of Posta, Police featherweight David “Professor” Ouma defeated Breweries’ Morris Sakwa, Police lightweight Patrick “Mont” Waweru stopped Prisons’ Morris Mutsiami in the first round, Police welterweight Ali “Ojukwu” Athumani beat Nakuru’s Peter “Dynamite” Odhiambo, Police light-middleweight Steve “Vedo” Okumu stopped Sullu Okello’s elder brother

Okech Ahenda, Breweries’ middleweight Peter Juma outpointed KDF’s Alex “Osambla” Oduor, Breweries’ light-heavyweight Titus Osumba got a walkover, Breweries’ regional heavyweight champion Chadwick “Stingo” Agenga KO’d KCC’s Tom Okusi in the first round and at super-heavyweight Nakuru’s Chris “Marciano” Odera KO’d KDF’s George Okoth in the first round.

Back to 680 Hotel. The ballroom was packed with dignitaries and fans enjoying the new format of dinner boxing, creating an intimate atmosphere unlike the dimly lit community halls.

Caleb Kuya entered the ring holding an unblemished streak and was the favourite but I knew it was not going to be easy for the Dallas Mercenary Kuya.

I had been monitoring the progress of DK Kamau since 1983 when he displayed an outstanding show to clinch the national intermediate featherweight title at the Desai Memorial Hall by outpointing KDF’s Joram Apudo formerly with Undugu.

Even Eddie “Papa” Musi, the late popular South African coach associated with the early success of Bangladesh Boxing in Kariobangi, was mesmerised by DK Kamau’s impressive performance in the fight of the night. “This boy will go places, he’s good,” Musi told me as we analysed the fight at the ringside.

In the ring, DK was a smooth operator who I can say was a boxer-puncher with a neat jab spiced with rapid combinations while Kuya was an artist in the ring with nice footwork, jab and overall he was a clean boxer.

On this particular night, DK chose to be a pressure fighter, carrying the fight to Kuya who received a standing count of eight from referee Patrick “Mad” Okoth.

In the second round, both boxers decided to fight, exchanging punches at close quarters with DK Kamau having the better of the exchanges before sending Kuya to the canvas with a strong right to the chin. Fans were stunned seeing Kuya sitting on his trunks on the canvas as referee Okoth counted him out. It was all over!

DK Kamau didn’t just win; he executed a coup. It was not just a massive KO victory; he made a big statement, turning the historic dinner boxing night into a coronation of a new king in the light-welterweight division packed with other equally good boxers such as Robert Wangila, John Bosco Oduori and Kennedy Munikah who had made his international debut that year by winning silver in the East, South and Central Africa Championships at Nairobi’s City Hall.

Kenya was later represented by Dan Mwangi, Steve Mwema, David Ouma and Patrick Waweru in the Seoul World Cup Championships in November, 1985. Ouma and Uganda’s John Siryakibbe won bronze medals for the Africa team.

For DK Kamau, that devastating KO win over Kuya catapulted him to the national team, making it to Bangkok, Thailand, for the annual King’s Cup Championships in 1986.

To the surprise of boxing followers, DK Kamau punched his way to the finals and lost to a Russian boxer. He later won a gold medal in the 1986 regional event in Jinja, Uganda. Come 1987, DK was among the Kenyan boxers who shocked the world by winning a record eight gold medals in the African Games in Nairobi.

He maintained his steady rise to the top by fighting his way to the quarter-finals of the 1988 Seoul Olympics.

Back home, rising Police southpaw Nick “Computer” Odore was baying for DK Kamau’s blood. When he got the chance during a league match between Police and Posta, Odore dismantled DK Kamau with a masterclass performance that earned him a unanimous points victory and a place in the Kenya team for Jamhuri Cup match against Ghana at the end of 1988.

The following year, 1989, Kamau called me from the US to announce he had turned professional with the assistance of Steve Mwema.

Working for the Kenya Times then, I was excited with this big scoop. I knew nobody else had the story even my rival, friend and neighbour in Umoja Estate, Steve Ongaro of the Nation. DK Kamau had earlier on hinted to me plans were underway for him to join compatriots Mwema, Robert Wangila and Chris Sande in the US. DK Kamau told me he had signed a five-year contract with Motherland Productions in California.

“I have decided to fight for money, I’ve signed a five-year contract. The money is good,” he told me in our telephone interview.

“Training here is classic. You don’t have to strain yourself like we do at home, a boxer trains at his own time and pace,” said a jovial ambitious DK Kamau.

We used to chat with them regularly on phone especially before and after their fights.

DK Kamau did very well in pro, twice unsuccessfully contending for WBC world titles against Mexico’s Cesar Chavez and Mexican-American Oscar De La Hoya. He quit pro boxing with 30 wins, 22 on KO and lost four.

Interestingly, DK Kamau has since then cut off communication with Kenyans back home and in the US. Little is known about his life in Los Angeles in the US. I have severally tried to reach him out for a chit chat as a good friend but all in vain. Hopefully he will one day get in touch with me to open up on his life in the US after stepping out from pro boxing.

▪️Ghana are now walking tall after a hard-fought 4-3 bouts victory in this closely contested West African Supremacy Derby with the Nigerian youngsters, making their international debut, putting up a remarkable performance in the Commonwealth Games build-up match 

▪️Nigeria’s national coach Anthony Konyegwachie recalls they’ve beaten Ghana twice in 2011 and 2018, and that the 4-3 result in Accra was Ghana’s first win over Nigeria 

May 8, 2026

Ghana secured bragging rights in the “Battle of Supremacy” against Nigeria, winning 4-3 bouts in this closely fought Glasgow Commonwealth Games build-up encounter at the Accra Sports Stadium on Thursday, May 7, 2026.

Despite the deep rivalry between the two West African boxing giants, Ghana’s celebrated Sports Journalist, Prince Dornu-Leiku, told boxersworld.co.ke the attendance was surprisingly low owing to poor marketing of the event by the Ghana Boxing Federation (GBF).

“The attendance was low, about 200 fans or less were at the Accra Sports Stadium, the federation also ignored media’s input,” said Dornu, a prominent and highly regarded boxing reporter, writer, and a reputed media figure who frequently covers boxing events, provides analysis, and works with organizations like ACE Power Promotions.

Boxingwise, Dornu was impressed with the seven-bout card.

“It was a good competition, highly competitive fights, the Nigeria team looks well conditioned and ready to make a mark at the Commonwealth Games. Their women showed immense class and easily dispatched the Ghanaians,” said Dornu.

The West Africa boxing supremacy friendly was billed as a key rivalry match, aiming to fuel pride between the two boxing giants but it lacked the expected fireworks and thunderous applause for an event of this magnitude.

Ghana’s win adds another chapter to the fierce, decades-long rivalry between the two nations, providing temporary bragging rights to Ghanaian boxers, officials and supporters.

There’s need to introduce an annual two-leg contest between Ghana and Nigeria, the two top boxing nations in West Africa.

Big up to the Nigerian youngsters who were making their international debut. They put up a remarkable performance, and had African Games champion, Blessing Oraekwe, fought it would have been 4-4 bouts draw. Oraekwe’s opponent, Elizabeth Nartey, withdrew at the last minute after landing a military job.

All the two Nigerian female boxers, bantamweight Kadijat Ajisola and featherweight Aishat Gbadamosi, won their bouts with Ajisola defeating Ramatu Quaye 5-0 while Gbadamosi was full stretched by Ghana’s Nancy Bamfo but squeezed 3-2 points victory.

In men’s bouts, Ghana’s twice Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Abdul Wahid was forced to use all the tricks in the book to beat newcomer Abdul Rahman Wahab 3-2. Ghana’s African Games bantamweight champion Amadu Mohammed was on top of his game enroute to an emphatic 5-0 points victory over Michael Ogunremi.

After the West African boxing derby, coaches return to the drawing board to polish the areas that need improvement.

The Nigerian federation will have to engage national boxing coach Anthony Konyegwachie and bring on board imore experienced boxers in the team.

While it’s okay to give youngsters a chance, let them know the Commonwealth Games are not an experiment laboratory. If they want medals they must include experienced boxers blended with some newcomers. Right now it appears Konyegwachie – the only coach in Nigeria who receives a monthly salary – has no portfolio. As a government employee he should be fully utilised to share his wealth of experience and expertise having himself been an international boxer of repute, winning a bronze medal at the 1987 World U19 Championships in the flyweight division in Havana, Cuba. His most significant achievement is guiding the national team to historic victory in the 2023 African Games in Accra, Ghana, where the Nigerians won eight gold and two silver medals, humiliating the Ghanaians at their backyard.

But with the 4-3 win on May 7, Ghana have somewhat restored their battered image and can now enjoy the victory while it lasts as the Nigerians lick their wounds quietly in Lagos.

Konyegwachie has meanwhile put the record straight on the West African supremacy derby by stating that they have in the past beaten Ghana twice. Tell us more top coach.

“I remember before the 2011 African Games we met Ghana in Benin city Edo s

State in the preparations for Maputo African Games. We hammered Ghana 9-1 bouts. We fought Ghana again in 2018 Friendship Challenge in Lagos during our preparations for Gold Coast Commonwealth Game, we won 7-2 bouts. Ghana’s 4-3 triumph in Accra was their first one against Nigeria but if we were at our full strength they wouldn’t have defeated us, we are superior than Ghana in boxing.”

Ghana’s head coach Ofori Asare has shared his views here after the closely contested Commonwealth Games build-up match:

Assessment

Positive outcome. Ghana won the tournament, the result is a step in the right direction in our preparations but not the final goal.

General observation

Ghana and Nigeria showed competitive spirit. Good practice for both sides.

Neither team is currently at the top of the Commonwealth Games standard, but the tournament provided valuable ring time.

The event gave coaches and staff a live opportunity to observe boxers under pressure and identify technical, tactical, and mental gaps.

Key takeaways and strengths to build on

Ghana’s ability to secure key wins in close bouts shows developing composure and fight IQ.

The tournament culture itself is beneficial and should be maintained.

Areas for improvement

Individual technical and tactical mistakes were evident across several bouts.

Conditioning and game management in later rounds need work for multiple boxers.

Nigeria served as sparring/brother nation partners, not the primary target.

Recommendations / Next steps

Individual analysis

Break down each boxer’s performance — what they did well, where they broke down under pressure.

Targeted training plans

Use fight footage and notes to design drills addressing identified shortcomings.

Long-term focus

– Primary target = Commonwealth Games.

– Goal = medal performance for Ghana.

– Use bilateral tournaments like this as preparation tools, not as the end goal.

Frequency: Continue running bilateral/practice tournaments before major competitions to sharpen the squad and expose weaknesses early.

Closing note

We’re happy with the tournament win, but we’re not satisfied. The real target is the Commonwealth Games. Now we go back, fix the gaps, and raise the standard so Ghana goes to Glasgow ready to win medals for our country.

Asare’s daughter, Sarah Lotus, who is a board member of Ghana Boxing Federation was satisfied with the spirited performance of the boxers.

“All the boxers performed well, I was especially impressed by the ladies as an advocate for female boxing. Initiatives like this will go a long way to help develop the sport in both countries,” said Sarah.

Ghana’s team of 21 boxers – 16 men and five women – returned to their training camp in Wineba central region after the Accra show.

 Full results. Ghana boxers first

GHANA…4 NIGERIA…3

Women

1. Bantamweight -54Kg

RAMATU QUAYE 0-5 KADIJAT AJISOLA

2. Featherweight-57kg

NANCY BAMFO 2 -3 AISHAT GBADAMOSI

Men

3. Bantamweight-55kg

AMADU MOHAMMED 5 —0 MICHAEL OGUNREMI

4. Lightweight-60Kg

EBENEZER ANKRAH 5 —0 SODIQ ODUNIYI

5. Light Welterweight-65kg

ABDUL WAHID OMAR 3-2 ABDUL RAHMAN ABDUL WAHAB

6. Light Middleweight-70kg

KHALID ABDUL 2 -3 FOLLY HASSAN

7 Light Heavyweight-80kg

DESMOND PAPPOE 4-1 DANIEL JOSHUA

Results compiled by: GBF MEDIA

▪️”I’m very much ready to fight as a pro and make money, in Africa I have no opposition,” says Chinyemba.

The International Boxing Association (IBA) has officially recognized Zambian boxer Patrick Chinyemba as the world’s number one ranked amateur boxer globally in the flyweight division (48-51kg).

Chinyemba, a bronze medallist at the 2025 World Championships in Dubai, is presently in Miami, United States, where he is participating in a professional boxing training camp.

If everything goes according to plan the reigning African Games flyweight champion will turn professional.

“I’m very much ready to fight as a pro and make money, in Africa I have no opposition,” says Chinyemba.

Courtesy Zed Sport

▪️This is a high energy bragging rights battle between two of Africa’s premier boxing nations in the countdown to the Glasgow Commonwealth Games 

April 7, 2026

The profound boxing rivalry between Nigeria and Ghana erupts again in Accra today, May 7, 2026, serving as a crucial friendly to determine West African supremacy and prepare elite contenders for the upcoming Glasgow Commonwealth Games.

The show, featuring eight bouts, starts at 6pm (9pm East African time) at the Accra Sports Stadium.

It’s the second friendly match between the two West African boxing giants. The first one took place in 1998 at the same venue ahead of the Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Strangely, Ghana’s head coach Ofori Asare told boxersworld.co.ke no winner was declared but in today’s second friendly, Asare said they will announce the winner of the eight-bout card.

Reigning African Games champions Nigeria is parading a new team comprised of boxers who excelled in the Commonwealth Games Open trials. The only international in the team is African Games champion Blessing Oraekwe who will face Ghanaian rookie Elizabeth Nartey.

“The Ghana boxer is no threat at all to me, it’ll be easy work, I’ll beat her,” Oraekwe told boxersworld.co.ke in a phone chat.

“The hard part is done, it’s time to take the victory to my motherland.”

In addition to Nartey, other Ghanaian boxers making their debuts are female featherweight Nancy Banfo and light-middleweight Khalid Abdul. The rest are regulars and include the most experienced boxer in the team, two-time Commonwealth Games bronze medallist in 2014 and 2022 light-welterweight Abdul Wahid Omar and African Games bantamweight champion Amadu Mohammed, a quarter-finalist at the 2023 World Championships in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Light-heavyweight Desmond Pappoe, one of the three Ghanaian gold medallists in the 2025 Africa Youth Championships, will represent the senior team for the first time following his graduation to the elite level.

A board member of Ghana Boxing Federation Sarah Lotus Asare is proud of the boxing rivalry between the two West African countries which she feels is an important ingredient in improving boxing standards.

“Ghana and Nigeria both have good boxing traditions, an event like this will help the fighters especially team Ghana get the exposure they need while still having the luxury of a home crowd,“ she said.

“In terms of expectations, well the boxers have been camping for sometime now and these are believed to be the best boxers in Ghana hence they have to perform, we have to see that they will be able to represent Ghana well, it’s not only about winning but showing that they are ready and want to win.”

Pairings tonight going by the two team lists. Ghana’s boxers first:

Female

54kg: Ramatu Quaye vs Kadijat Ajisola

57kg: Nancy Banfo vs Aishat Gbadamosi

75kg: Elizabeth Nartey vs Blessing Oraekwe

Men

55kg: Amadu Mohammed vs Michael Ogunremi

60kg: Ebenezer Ankrah vs Sodiq Oduniyi

65kg: Abdul Wahib vs Abdulrahman Abdulwahaab

70kg: Khalid Abdul vs Folly Hassan

80kg: Desmond Pappoe vs Daniel Joshua

This showdown, heavily focused on regional bragging rights, will see young, hungry fighters looking to cement their spots in national teams for the Commonwealth Games scheduled for Glasgow, Scotland, from July 23-August 2, 2026.

The Nigerian Boxing Federation (NBF) invited 40 boxers to a rigorous camp, following trials in Lagos to select the best for the Glasgow Commonwealth Games.

By inviting a large pool of 40 boxers to the camp shows NBF still has doors open for other boxers to be brought on board.

Two of the eight gold medallists at the Accra African Games, featherweight Omole “King Machine” Dolapo and lightweight Cynthia Ogunsemilore, are keen to be included in the Glasgow Games.

“I’m still waiting to be told when my ban ends, I’m training and I have full confidence in the new NBF office,” Cynthia told me in a phone chat.

The same sentiments were echoed by Dolapo who scored a third round KO win over Ghana’s Isaac Nettey in a pro fight in May, 2025. He is ready to move up to lightweight since men’s featherweight is not included in the Commonwealth Games.

Tonight’s encounter is about more than just a friendly; it is a battle for West African supremacy. The friendly serves as a crucial measuring stick for both nations as they aim to improve upon previous international performances, ensuring boxers are match-fit to face the best in Scotland.

Enter the bragging rights battle. While Nigeria have an edge over Ghana in amateur boxing competitions, Ghana is more successful than Nigeria in pro boxing.

At the Olympics, Nigeria has won six medals to Ghana’s four and in world championships, Nigeria has won one gold through Davidson Andeh in 1978, silver by light-heavyweight Jacklord Jacobs (1993) and two bronze medals from welterweight Roland Omuruyi (1982) and light-welterweight Moses James (1991).

Ghana on the other hand has won only one bronze medal in the world championships by light-welterweight Amon Kotey, bronze medallist at the 1974 World Championships. The Ghanaians can still claim to have produced the first ever black African boxer to win an Olympic medal, Ike Quartey who won silver at the 1960 Olympics.

In the last Commonwralth Games, Ghana was eighth overall with two silvers and a bronze with Nigeria placed 10th on one silver and three bronze medals. In the 2018 Commonwealth Games, Nigeria was 12th overall with two bronze medals and Ghana 14th on one bronze.

Ghana rules Nigeria in pro boxing, producing over 10 world champions among them David “DK” Poison, the first Ghanaian world champion in 1975, WBC featherweight and super-featherweight champion Azumah Nelson, three-time world champion across two weight divisions Nana Yaw Konadu, WBA welterweight champion Ike “Bazooka” Quartey, WBO bantamweight champion Alfred “Cobra” Kotey, IBF welterweight champion Joshua Clottey and WBO super-bantamweight champion Isaac Dogbe.

Nigeria’s most prominent pro boxers are Hogan “Kid” Bassey, the first Nigerian world champion in the featherweight class in 1957 to 1959 and Dick Tiger (Richard Ihetu), the first African boxer to win two world titles in two weight classes and was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1991. There’s British-Nigerian renowned Anthony Joshua, Samuel Peter, Efe Ajagba and Ike Ibeabuchi.

The growth of Nigeria’s pro boxing has been curtailed by some dishonest promoters with the WBC, IBF, WBA and WBO showing lack of trust on the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBB of C) which they accuse of age falsification and improper record-keeping.

This has prompted the intervention of the government-backed Nigeria Boxing Federation to take over pro boxing management in order to bring back sanity in the bare-chested game.

▪️It’s a battle of supremacy between these two West African boxing giants with Ghana still smarting from the African Games humiliation of being denied the title by the Nigerians at their backyard in 2024

May 6, 2026

Dark clouds of war are gathering over the Accra Sports Stadium as Ghana’s Black Bombers name their eight boxers to face Nigeria in a high-octane “Battle of Supremacy” friendly match on May 7, 2026.

The eight boxers are those whittled down from the 16 earlier announced by head coach Ofori Asare.

Top Ghanaian female boxing administrator Sarah Lotus Asare, a board member of Ghana Boxing Federation, has released the tough eight boxers to battle the Nigerians in this explosive bragging rights encounter which is now the talk of Accra.

“We’re ready to squash the Nigerians, it’s not going to be easy for them,” roared Sarah when releasing the eight boxers for this tension-charged and exciting duel.

Here are the eight Ghanaian boxers:

Female

1. Ramatu Quaye 54kg
2. Nancy Banfo 57kg
3. ⁠Elizabeth Nartey 70kg

Male

1.Amadu Mohammed 55kg
2.Ebenezer Ankrah 60kg
3.Abdul Wahib Mohammed 65kg
4.Khalid Abdul 70kg
5.Desmond Pappoe 80kg

Head coach
Ofori Asare

Assistant coaches
Charles Quartey
Daniel Lartekwei Lartey
Benjamin A. Tetteh

This isn’t just a friendly; it’s a continuation of the intense West African boxing supremacy with Nigeria so far holding sway over Ghana in international amateur boxing competitions. Ghana on the other hand is more prominent than Nigeria in pro boxing.

Sara Asare described their team as a lethal mix of experienced campaigners designed to protect home turf against the new-look Nigerian team having middleweight Blessing Oraekwe as the only medallist among the 10 who humiliated Ghana infront of their spectators in 2024 by winning eight gold and two silver medals in the African Games. Blessing won gold in the light-middleweight class.

Sources told boxersworld.co.ke that Ghanaian camp is training with unmatched ferocity, promising to make the Accra Sports Stadium a fortress.

Ghana’s mission is total domination ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

The stakes are high. It’s a West African supremacy battle and boasting rights.

Who will blink first in this eagerly awaited showdown?

▪️Ghana’s head coach Ofori Asare picks 16 boxers for the inter-country contest between the West African boxing giants Nigeria and Ghana with the hosts determined to win this bragging rights battle
▪️It’s the second match between the two countries, the first one taking place in 1998 ahead of the Commonwealth Games in Malaysia but no winner was declared, according to coach Asare

May 6, 2026

Eight Nigerian boxers, headlined by African Games light-middleweight champion, Blessing Oraekwe, have arrived in Accra for a friendly match between two West African boxing giants on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at the Accra Sports Stadium.

It’s the second inter-country contest featuring Nigeria vs Ghana organised by the two West African federations.

“This is a very good build-up match for us, it’s the second time Ghana and Nigeria are meeting since 1998 when we were preparing for the Malaysia Commonwealth Games we had a similar match at the Accra Sports Stadium, we didn’t declare the winner but in this second one we will announce the winner,” Ghana’s head coach Ofori Asare told boxersworld.co.ke when announcing his team of 16 boxers, 13 male and 3 female pugilists.

Asare went on:”We have enough time to use this match to sharpen our boxers and make adjustments where necessary.”

Ghana’s team has six internationals who include African Games bantamweight champion Amadu Mohammed and twice Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Abdul Wahid. Others are female bantamweight Ramatu Quaye, Ebener Ankrah, Daniel Plange and Desmond Pappimoe. The rest of the 10 boxers are all making their international debut.

Here’s the Ghana team

Female

1) Ramatu Quaye 54kg
2) Nancy Banfo 57kg
3) Elizabeth Darko 75kg

Male

1) Amadu Mohammed 55kg
2) Caleb Mensah 55kg
3) Ebenezer Ankrah 60kg
4) James Okoe 60kg
5) Wahib Mohammed 65kg
6) Khalid Abdul 70kg
7) Solomon Sackey 70kg
8) Desmond Pappoe 80 kg
9) Mubarak Amarh 80kg
10) Jibril Mutari 90kg
11) Daniel plange 90+ kg
12) Isaac Esiedu 90+ kg
13) Dennis Dugbenu 90kg

Head coach
Ofori Asare

Assistant coaches
Charles Quartey
Daniel Lartekwei Lartey
Benjamin A Tetteh

Some of Ghanaian male boxers will fight against themselves as Nigeria have only five male and three female boxers.

Among the eight Nigerian boxers, 27-year-old Oraekwe, who won gold at the 2023 African Games (held in 2024), is the only international in the new-look Nigerian team led in Accra by the Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF) Vice-President Imadu Omonlei.

Besides Oraekwe, the other seven boxers are all making their international debut determined to impress the selectors to include them in the team for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, from July 23-August 2.

The youngest member in the team is 19-year-old female featherweight Aishat Gbadamosi.

Here’s Nigeria’s full contingent of 13 people in Accra:

Male

1. Ogunremi Michael – 55kg
2. Sodiq Oduniyi- 60kg
3. Abdulrahmon Abdulwahaab – 65kg
4. Folly Hassan – 70kg
5. Daniel Joshua – 80kg

Female

1. Aishat Gbadamosi 57kg
2. Kadijat Ajisola – 54kg
3. Orakwe Blessing – 75kg

Officials

1. Tonye Ageba – Coach
2. Laguda Babatunde – Technical chairman
3. Lazarus Hirekaan – Doctor
4. Vivian Akohwarien – Secretary General
5. Omonlei Yakubu Imadu – NBF Vice-President

In a telephone interview with boxersworld.co.ke, the footballer-turned- boxer Oraekwe said she’s using the contest to gauge herself ahead of the Glasgow Commonwealth Games.

“My big goal in Glasgow is to win gold putting my country’s name on the map again,” said the southpaw Oraekwe now fighting in the middleweight category.

“In Accra no girl can beat me, I know myself I’ll punish any opponent lined up for me,” Oraekwe told me.

The Nigerians are looking to maintain their impressive form following a dominant performance in Ghana in 2024 where they won 8 gold and two silver medals with Oraekwe scoring a major upset points victory over two-time African champion Alcinda Dos Santos of Mozambique in the light-middleweight final.

“My victory over Alcinda was so sweet, it’s my most memorable so far beating an African champion more experienced than me,” said Oraekwe.

This is Nigeria’s first international match as a team since the 2024 African Games boxing tournament at the famous Bukom Arena where the they silenced rivals Ghana at their backyard with 10 medals – eight gold and two silvers.

The West African boxing rivalry will be renewed on Thursday in a bragging rights battle with Nigeria having an edge over Ghana in major international championships.

Nigeria’s 10 medallists at the 2024 African Games:

Ifeanyi Onyekwere – men’s 92+kg 🥇
Jacinta Umunnakwe – women’s 81kg🥇
Blessing Oraekwe- women’s 70kg 🥇
Cynthia Ogunsemilore – women’s 60kg🥇
Adams Olaore – men’s 92kg🥇
Patricia Mbata – women’s 75kg🥇
Omole Dolapo- men’s 57kg 🥇
Joy Nene Ojo – women’s 57kg 🥇
Shukura Kareem – women’s 54kg 🥈
Zainab Adeshina – women’s 50kg 🥈