Stanley Nyantekyi KOs Togolese Hounkpatin To Win LBO Featherweight Title  

Stanley 'Ashanti Warrior' Nyantekyi maintained his unbeaten record as a pugilist by knocking out Komlangan Hounkpatin of Togo in his first international fight in Accra to win the LBO Featherweight title.

Known as the Ashanti Warrior, Nyantekyi displayed with precision in knocking out his opponent in round 5 and enjoyed a royal ride on the Osebor and Bronx Boxing Promotions bill at the Royal Dede Golden Beach Hostle on Saturday February 3.

President of the GBA, Mr. Abraham Neequaye and Alhaji Toffik decorated Nyantekyi with his belt.

He had a number of people supporting him to win and promised to take his title to Otumfuo Asantehene to bless him to win more titles as his dream is to become a multiple undisputed world champion.

Nyantekyi who trains under Coach Carl Lokko at the Bronx Gym at James Town wants to become WBC, WBA, WBO and IBF champion.

New promoter on the block Osebor Boxing Management was very happy for staging a successful bill which featured many crack boxers including other nationals from Nigeria and Togo performing on the 'Night of Rising Stars’.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Accra Sports Stadium To Be Ready For 13^th African Games - Prof. Peter Twumasi Assures

Director General of the National Sports Authority (NSA) Professor Peter Twumasi has assured sports fans especially football lovers that the Accra Sports Stadium, the national wembly will be ready and in top shape for the upcoming 13^th African Games.

The NSA Boss has initiated Preparatory works at Accra Sports Stadium towards African Games involving NSA Estate Department and Green Grass Technology which began last Thursday.

He said the facility will be in top shape for the Games which is coming to Ghana for the first time, and urged football fans to patronize the football matches.

The official draw for the football tournament at the 2024 African Games in Accra, Ghana was conducted in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. The continental multi-sport event, held every four years, will take place from March 18 to 24.

A total of nine men’s teams and 8 women’s national sides will be competing for medals at the 13th edition of the African Games, which first began in 1965 in Congo.

The women’s contest will feature hosts Ghana placed in Group A with Tanzania, Ethiopia and Uganda. Meanwhile, Nigeria and Cameroon feature in Group B alongside Senegal and Morocco.

For the men’s tournament, Ghana are joined by debutants Gambia, Benin and inaugural 1965 winners Congo in Group A. Group B will be hotly contested between Nigeria, South Sudan, Senegal, Uganda and Tunisia.

With national pride and medals on the line, the football event promises to entertain fans and exhibit some of Africa’s emerging talent. The eyes of Africa and the world will be on Accra Sports Stadium, Legon, Borteyman and Ghana.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The World Championships of World Skate’s 12 sports will be held in Italy, in the framework of an incredible Event awarding 156 World Champion titles.

The World Skate Games - following the previous editions held in Nanjing (2017), Barcelona (2019), and Buenos Aires (2022), are making their debut in Italy this year, and will feature an unprecedented event taking place across the entire country.

This dynamic, urban, and sustainable event is set to captivate everyone, especially new generations. Indeed, sports on skating wheels are particularly appealing to youngsters, as evidenced during the Tokyo Olympic Games where skateboarding was among the top sports in terms of audience on social media.

The World Skate Games Itaia 2024 will be held from the 6th to to the 22nd September, with an estimated participation of over 12,000 people including athletes, coaches, and delegations from 100 countries worldwide and an expected presence in Italy of tens of thousands of fans from the four corners of the globe.

The universal language of skating wheels will gather athletes from 12 different sports within a single event. The spotlights will be on the urban disciplines born in the streets of the world, such as skateboarding, roller freestyle, and scootering; the adrenaline-pumping and high-speed sports like speed skating, skate-cross, downhill, and slalom; the exciting team sports like rink hockey, inline hockey, and roller derby; and the harmony, elegance and exquisite technique of artistic skating.

"It won't just be the World Championships of skating wheels, but a true festival of the youth" emphasizes Sabatino Aracu, President of the International Federation World Skate. “Each event will take place at the heart of cities, amidst the beauties of the Italian cultural heritage; music will accompany each and every competition, representing the soundtrack of tricks, jumps, records, and team games. Competitions will be surrounded by Fan Fests, providing entertainment, concerts, and shows, and bringing together athletes, fans, and local communities.”

“The World Skate Games will put Italy under the spotlight of roller sports, a well-known as well as fascinating and entertaining sporting phenomenon in consideration of the variety and spectacularity of the disciplines performed as well as the level of interest it generates among young people – states Andrea Abodi, the Italian Minister for Sports and Youth. This “event of events”, all connected to one another, entails meanings that go beyond competitions - that in any case will award 156 medals - representing a powerful driving force for the promotion of sports, of the Italian system and of our peculiarities, in addition to the enhancement of our territory. It is important for the hosting Regions to feel the honor of welcoming thousands of athletes from all over the world and – after the World Championships – to be ready to embrace their legacy, by also promoting the construction or improvement of infrastructures devoted to roller sports. These are community sports, that establish family-like bonds and help to strengthen the educational values that are fundamental for these regions. It is therefore clear that the World Skate Games symbolically represent an extraordinary means to establish relationships with young people, leading to extremely positive social effects. For all these reasons, our joint commitment with President Aracu, the Italian Federation, the International Federation and the hosting organizations will be not to waste this heritage and to extract the full potential of this great event, by strengthening all its values and meanings.”

World Skate

The main activities of the 13^th African Games will be at the University of Ghana, Legon and the Sports Complex at Borteyman, however the Accra and Cape Coast Sports Stadiums are to support the event which happens in Ghana, center of the world and gateway to Africa from March 8 to 23, 2024.

In the past week, the Director General of the National Sports Authority (NSA) Prof Peter Twumasi, together with Chief Director of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Mr Williams Kartey, and Executive Chairman of the #Accra2023 African Games LOC, Dr Kwaku Ofosu Asare have inspected the Accra Sports Stadium as part of the Authority's preparatory works to support the Games in March 2024.

The Theodicia Okoh Hockey Stadium is ready and Bukom Boxing Arena at James Town in case it may be needed is one of the supporting boxing venues for the international sports extravaganza.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the 2023 African Games has officially announced that a test run of the hosting facilities in Accra will be done on February 8, 2024.

The Minister for Youth and Sports, Hon Mustapha Ussif gave the information after a meeting with the Technical Committee for the 13^th African Games and the LOC.

He stated that, the work on the hosting facilities is now completed. Contractors are in the process of receiving their handing-over certificates.

While inviting the media to see work done so far, the Minister said “The work on the facilities is finished, and the contracts are receiving their handing-over certificates. For the work on the facilities, we are done. On the 8th of February, Team Ghana will use the hosting facilities for a test run. So, I am standing on this platform to invite the media to come and publicise it for us.”

Meanwhile, the tartan tracks at the Legon Stadium are yet to be fixed, although the warm-up track is complete.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Antony Joshua and Francis Ngannou are set to go head-to-head in Saudi Arabia this year

Ngannou will enter the upcoming bout following a points loss in his debut against Tyson Fury

Joshua emerged victorious against Otto Wallin as he continues to re-build his career

Former undisputed world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua is slated to engage in a bout against Francis Ngannou in Saudi Arabia.

Joshua is anticipated to go up against the ex-UFC heavyweight champion, according to the promotional teams Matchroom and Queensberry officially disclosed the planned fight on Friday night.

Antony Joshua and Francis Ngannou are set to go head-to-head in Saudi Arabia this year. Photos by Richard Pelham/Mike Roach Source: Getty Images

An announcement is set for January 15 through a press conference to disclose additional details, amid reports indicating that Joshua is poised to fight Ngannou on Friday, March 8, in Riyadh, BBC reported.

Promoter Eddie Hearn posted "it's a done deal" on X on Friday, and added.

By Mass Media

Rising star in boxing, the undefeated Stanley 'Ashanti Warrior' Nyantekyi of the Bronx Gym comes up against Komlangan Hounkpatin of Togo in his first international fight in Accra..

“Am the Ashanti Warrior and I want to make myself and the Ashanti Kingdom proud because we are warriors and we are capable of exceling in boxing” he said.

The epic bill on Saturday Feb, 3, 2024 night at the Royal Dede Golden Beach Resort, Korle-Gonno will parade boxers like Musah Lawson, Emmanuel Otoo, John Power, Stephen Cofie, Samson Solomon, John Zile, Dan Quaye, Samuel Quaye, Mohammed Fuseini and Daniel Selasie Gosh all on the show.

The bill includes martial arts fighters who have converted to boxing, Abdul Malik Adjei and Isaac Commey.

New promoter Osebor Boxing Management and Bronx Boxing Promotions are staging the 'Night of Rising Stars’.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

As the Senegalese capital prepares to welcome the world’s best youth athletes aiming to create a positive impact for young people throughout the host nation and the African continent, the Dakar 2026 Organising Committee (YOGOC) celebrates 1,000 days to go until the Youth Olympic Games Dakar 2026 (YOG). This event holds historical significance as it will be the first Olympic event to be held on African soil.

“We cannot wait for the moment to enjoy the first Olympic event on African soil, an event for Africa, with Africa, that will welcome the youth of the world in Senegal,” the IOC President, Thomas Bach, said.

Reflecting on the 1,000 days-to-go milestone, Kirsty Coventry, the Chair of the International Olympic Committee (IOC)’s Coordination Commission for Dakar 2026, highlighted the impressive efforts that have already been made to engage and mobilise local youth in Senegal.

“Dakar 2026 represents a unique opportunity to spread the Olympic spirit throughout Africa and inspire not only young athletes, but also local youth,” she said. “Already, thanks to the collaborative efforts between the YOGOC and IOC teams, we have seen how engagement initiatives like the Dakar en Jeux Festival are reaching thousands of young people in Senegal and building the legacy that the YOG will bring to the local communities.

She continued: “We look forward to working closely with the Dakar 2026 team over the next 1,000 days to deliver transformative and inspiring YOG, showcasing the unifying power of sport and the rich cultural heritage of Africa.”

Ibrahima Wade, General Coordinator of the YOGOC, said: “1,000 days separate us from the Opening Ceremony. It's a symbolic date for us because we are little by little getting closer to welcoming the world and celebrating with the youth of the world — the African youth, the Senegalese youth — the first African Olympic event.”

He continued: “The countdown has begun for the rendez-vous with the world”.

Planning and preparations progressing at full speed

With 1,000 days to go, progress continues to be made in planning and preparations for the YOG, with the renovation of the Iba Mar Diop stadium recently commencing, marking a significant step in infrastructure development for the Games. The refurbishment of the stadium is part of a broader initiative to ensure state-of-the-art facilities for Dakar 2026, which will rely mainly on existing and updated venues, ensuring a sustainable legacy for the YOG.

Recent efforts have also included a comprehensive review of the sports programme, focusing on disciplines, events and athlete quotas, with the Games Master Plan subsequently being adapted to optimise the use of the Youth Olympic Village and prioritise elite athlete development pathways. The process included valuable input from the International Olympic Sports Federations to finalise competition sites, with the IOC Executive Board set to confirm the final sports programme and athlete quotas shortly.

In addition, the YOGOC held a training seminar for Senegalese sports journalists in December, helping to equip local media with comprehensive knowledge of the plans for Dakar 2026. Focusing on infrastructural plans, the principle of co-construction with the IOC, spreading the Olympic values, and the Dakar en Jeux Festival, the seminar aimed to foster greater public engagement and awareness for the YOG.

The YOG Dakar 2026 will take place for two weeks from 31 October, bringing together the world’s best young athletes. The Games will be held across three host sites (Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly), and aim to serve as a catalyst to transform Senegal through sport, while becoming a blueprint for future YOG hosts.

On the occasion of the 1,000-day milestone, a promotional video was also produced.

The International Olympic Committee is a not-for-profit, civil, non-governmental, international organisation made up of volunteers which is committed to building a better world through sport. It redistributes more than 90 per cent of its income to the wider sporting movement, which means that every day the equivalent of USD 4.2 million goes to help athletes and sports organisations at all levels around the world.

IOC

Osebor Boxing Management and Bronx Boxing Promotions present 'Night of Rising Stars’ featuring Stanley 'Ashanti Warrior' Nyantekyi against Komlangan Hounkpatin of Togo.

The epic bill is presented by new promoter, Osebor Boxing Management with the support of Bronx Boxing Promotions on Saturday, Feb 3, 2024 night at the Royal Dede Golden Beach Resort, Korle-Gonno.

On the bill are exciting bouts with boxers like Musah Lawson, Emmanuel Otoo, John Power, Stephen Cofie, Samson Solomon, John Zile, Dan Quaye, Samuel Quaye, Mohammed Fuseini and Daniel Selasie Gosh  all on the show.

The bill includes martial arts fighters who have converted to boxing, Abdul Malik Adjei and Isaac Commey.

They claim their previous sports like Kickboxing and MMA promotions are very slow in Ghana while boxing is moving fast so they are ready to go with the fast sports.

The weigh in was done successfully at the bout venue at Korle Gonno on Friday, and from the look of expectations, fans are going to enjoy good boxing.

The Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) President, Mr. Kotei Neequaye was at the weigh in and advised boxing stakeholders not to take every issue to the public domain, but can contact the GBA so that issues can be solved amicably.

He wished all the boxers the best,

By Sammy Heywood Okine

International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach stated that the international recognition and participation of Wushu will play a crucial role in determining its future as an official sport of the Olympic Games, reports Xinhua.

Wushu, a martial art, has been included as a medal sport in the 2026 Dakar Youth Olympic Games, which is often seen as a key indicator for the inclusion of new sports in the Olympic Games. During the 2014 Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing, organisers held a wushu competition as part of a cultural and educational programme.

Bach mentioned that wushu, like sport climbing and breaking, needed to be tested in a "laboratory" environment. Both sport climbing and breaking were added to the Olympic Games following successful trials at previous Youth Olympic Games. "We are delighted to include wushu in the official programme of Dakar 2026. It is highly valued in Senegal, the host country of the Youth Olympic Games, and there is great enthusiasm for it," Bach stated.

"Wushu's Olympic debut is expected in two years' time," the IOC President announced. Bach noted that the traditional Chinese sport would have a solid basis for evaluation after its Olympic debut in Dakar.

"After the debut, we will have to wait and observe the level of international recognition and participation, as well as the overall performance of the competition. After this analysis, we will be in a position to make a decision on the inclusion of wushu in the Olympic programme in the future," Bach concluded.

By Rafael Khalatyan