By Jake Donovan

Isaac Dogboe struggled to fend off a surging Adam Lopez to pull off a gut-wrenching win.

The former WBO junior featherweight titlist managed to edge out the gutty Lopez to claim a ten-round majority decision win Saturday evening at The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas. Judge Dave Moretti had the action even at 95-95, overruled by judges Chris Migliore (97-93) and Don Trella (96-94) who ruled in favor of Dogboe in a spirited featherweight battle that landed on ESPN2 due to NCAA World Series coverage running long on ESPN.

Dogboe was fighting for just the second time since suffering the latter of back-to-back defeats to Emanuel Navarrete to end his title reign. The squat Ghana native has since moved up to featherweight, with Saturday’s bout marking his first under the guidance of head trainer Barry Hunter. Dogboe has taken to the teachings of the veteran cornerman, entering to an explosive start as Lopez struggled to contend with the former champ’s power punches.

The trend continued in round two, with Dogboe effectively working the body. Lopez looked to seize momentum, but was caught with a right hand and left hook downstairs before Dogboe came back up to land a left hook to the chin.

Lopez was able to take the lead in a spirited round three that saw several two-way exchanges. Dogboe was forced on the defensive for the first time, as Lopez landed in combination but was still forced to defend against Dogboe’s overhand right.

Dogboe punched in combination in round four, continuing to bully his way inside in neutralizing Lopez’s considerable height and reach advantages. Lopez tried to establish his jab but was disrupted by Dogboe’s right hand flying in from odd angles.

After catching an earful from Hall of Fame trainer and former two-division champion James ‘Buddy’ McGirt in between rounds, Lopez attempted to make key adjustments in round five. Dogboe was still bringing the heat, though forced to fight in reverse as Lopez controlled the action by doubling and tripling his jab. Both boxers spent portions of the frame fighting out of the southpaw stance, though neither one particularly effective.

Lopez pressed the action in round six, before Dogboe made key adjustments and stuck strictly to boxing in round seven. Lopez did his best to keep the action against the ropes, though Dogboe was able to utilize the ring and lure Lopez into fighting on his terms. A right uppercut snapped back the head of Lopez, his best punch of the fight to that point.

The favor was returned midway through round eight. Lopez allowed Dogboe to work his way inside, taking a slight step back and driving home an uppercut to momentarily stun the former champ. Dogboe took the shot well but spent most of the rest of the round leaning on and tying up Lopez, who connected with a long right hand in the closing seconds of the round.

The momentum shift did not sit well with Dogboe’s corner, with Hunter questioning how he allowed Lopez back into the fight. More questions would be asked in a near-disastrous round nine, where Lopez hurt Dogboe with a right uppercut in the corner. Dogboe stopped punching and did his best to play defense, only to catch a right hand and a left hook.

Dogboe and Lopez were instructed by their trainers to go out and convincingly take the tenth and final round. The advice was heeded by both boxers, who came out firing power shots. Dogboe waded through jabs and straight rights to respond with left hooks and wide right hands. Lopez adjusted and continued to punch down the middle as Dogboe suddenly stopped throwing punches heading into the final minute.

Lopez was feeling good about the finish, only to get caught with a left hook. The shot was Dogboe’s last shining moment, as Lopez let his hands go all the way to the final bell.  The late surge saw Lopez pull ahead in total punches thrown and landed, connecting on 152-of-527 total punches (29%) while Dogboe landed 134-of-487 punches (28%).

It just wasn’t enough for Lopez to sway the judges as he falls to 15-3 (6KOs). Lopez had won two straight heading into the night, including a 10-round decision over former title challenger Jason Sanchez this past February in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Dogboe picks up his second straight win, improving to 22-2 (15KOs). The 26-year-old Ghanaian returned to the win column last summer, knocking out Chris Avalos in the seventh round of their ESPN-televised affair last July.

Jake Donovan is a senior writer for BoxingScene.com. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox

Get Vim Foundation and Urban Sports Champions, two inspirational organizations have presented Tee Shirts and 2.000ghc to the Black Bombers, the national boxing team and some of the staff the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) who have been working behind the scenes to attract sponsors and support for the Olympic team of Ghana.

Michael Yaw Adom aka 'Makqash', owner of LandLord Merchandise and the Get Vim brand said it is part of their life story to give to society, and with sports being a past time that many people with talent engage in, they want to motivate Team Ghana, and urged other corporate institutions to support sportsmen and women.

They wished the Black Bombers success, to win gold for mother Ghana at the Tokyo Games, and excel in their chosen careers.

Get Vim Foundation and Urban Sports Champions later presented a tee shirt to Christian Amoah, the Ghana Weightlifting champion who has also qualified for the Tokyo Olympic Games.

CEO of Urban Sports Champions, Mr. Gabby Ammah said they believe in the Ghana Team to excel and it is their wish to see the Ghana Sportsmen and women do well at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

The Businessman who is into Real Estate, Music and Sports commended the administration of the GOC led by Mr. Ben Nunoo Mensah and ably supported by the General Secretary Lawyer Sahnoon Mohammed.

He commended the Sports Minister and the Director General of the National Sports Authority as well as all decision makers in sports.

President of the Ghana Boxing Federation, Mr. George Lamptey and Coach Ofori Asare received the items and promised to shine in Tokyo.

The Black Bombers, Samuel Takyi, Shakur Samed and Suleman Tetteh promised to give their best in Tokyo.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

First Vice President of the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA), Dr. Henry Manly-Spain has sent a congratulatory message to Ghana’s Isaac Dogboe for winning his featherweight bout against Adam Lopez on points in Las Vegas, USA to claim the NABF featherweight title.

The former WBO Bantamweight champion won via a majority victory decision on 97-93, 96-94 and 95-95 by the judges cards.

Dr. Manly-Spain commended his corner men led by Barry Hunter and urged Dogboe to be focused as he prepares to get another world title shot.

“I believe in Isaac Dogboe as a champion, that is why I boldly said Ghana is about to get more world champions in the next four years.

“Our nation is blessed with talent in sports, and with a little push of motivation we can achieve more.

“I am really happy, he fought a very good fight against a tough opponent and won in style. On behalf of the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA), we say Ayeekoo, and we are waiting for the world title, ince again I say congratulations” he expressed.

Dogboe, 26 has picked up a second straight win to improve his record to 22-2 15 Kos.

Judge Dave Moretti had the action even at 95-95, overruled by judges Chris Migliore (97-93) and Don Trella (96-94) who ruled in favor of Dogboe in a spirited featherweight battle that landed on ESPN2 due to NCAA World Series coverage running long on ESPN.

Meanwhile, the Friends of Boxing (FOB) and the Ghana Boxing Supporters Union (GBSU) have also hailed Isaac Dogboe for his great fight and victory which has gingered Ghanaian boxers.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs (Dodowa) has confirmed Obrempong Wetse Kojo II known in private life as Dr. Prince William Asharku-Bruce Quaye as the legitimate Paramount Chief of Ngleshie Alata Jamestown Traditional Area.

In a ruling and judgement delivered separately by the panel members of the Judicial Committee of the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs (Dodowa) on Tuesday June 15 2021 in suit number GAR-HC/P2/2018 the House affirmed, that Obrempong Wetse Kojo II was legitimately nominated, elected, installed and enstooled as the paramount chief of Ngleshie Alata Jamestown Traditional Area by the accredited principal Kingmakers of the Ngleshie Alata Jamestown paramount stool in accordance with Section 6 of the Native Administration Ordinance of 1929.

Section 6 of the 1929 Ordinance stipulates the persons seized with the authority to legitimately bring the paramount chief of Ngleshie Alata Jamestown to full status.

Per the provisions of the 1929 Native Administration Ordinance, the four principal kingmakers clothed with the authority to nominate the candidate of the Ngleshie Alata Jamestown paramount stool are Nii Sampa Kojo of Dom, Nii Appiah of Ashalaja, Nii Saki Ansa of Manhean and Nii Akuntua Kojo of Weija.

The present accredited holders of those offices in succession who legitimately nominated, elected  installed and enstooled the paramount chief Obrempong Wetse Kojo II as paramount chief are Nii Sampa Kojo XI of Dom (deceased) and succeeded by Nii Sampa Kojo XII of Dom, Nii Appiah V of Ashalaja, Nii Saki Ansa V of Manhean and Nii Akuntua Kojo IX of Weija (deceased) represented by Nii Ahuma Adinyina and supported by the acting Dzasetse (Nii Sakey Akumia VI chief of Adanse Division), and members of the electoral body namely; Nii Sakey Akumia (Chief of Adanse Division of Wetse Kojo We), Nii Kojo Amarh Attoh IV (chief of Ajumanko Dawurampong of Kofi Akrashi We), and Nii Afaantei Hudson-Odoi (senior principal elder of Trom Division representing the chief of Trom Division Nii Lante Okunkan Division), Nii Ayeequaye VI (Chief of Adadentan Division), Nii Ahuma Adinyina (representing Weija) being the electoral body.

Speaking to the media in response to the ruling and judgement of the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs (Dodowa), Obrempong Wetse Kojo II said that the victory was for the whole of Ngleshie Alata Jamestown Traditional Area and her citizens both at home and abroad, which ushers in a new era of peace, uninterrupted development, alleviation of poverty and commercial collaborations. He further admonished the people of Ngleshie Alata Jamestown traditional area to embrace dialogue over monologue when dealing with sensitive issues which affect the character and identity of the Ngleshie Alata Jamestown paramount stool.

Source – Clyde Nii Narh Tetteh

The coveted Head of State Invitational Golf Tournament tees off at the Achimota Golf Club on Saturday 26th June 2021.

This, the third in the series will be under the distinguished auspices of the President of the Republic of Ghana, His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo.

This year's event has as its theme, TRANSFORMING THE NATION THROUGH GOLF, in addition to being in honour of the President is designed to bring together the Executive arm of Government and leaders of Corporate Ghana to aligning bringing ideas for national development.

The twice postponed event was moved from Tafo Golf Club the original venue because of logistical challenges and Covid concerns.

Powered by the Ghana Golf Association and North Western Solutions, the event is proudly sponsored by 19 corporate institutions. Next weekend promises to be exciting with the Creme De LA Creme of Ghana golfers taking part.

The ceremonial tee off will be at 7am, whiles the presentation is expected to be at 4pm.

From Sammy Heywood Okine

The Women In Sports Association (WISA) has  congratulated the new Ghana Swimming Association president, Mrs. Delphina Quaye.

President of WISA, Madam Gloria Commodore in a message hailed Mrs. Quaye for her landslide victory and advised her to prove to the world that she can lead the Swimming Association to reach greater heights and also promote the sport to become popular.

She said Ghana can win laurels in swimming if there are more international competitions and media attention on the sport.

She appealed to the sports media to support the less financed and little promoted disciplines like swimming.

Mrs. Delphina Quaye polled 27 votes against Mr. Theo Edzie who got three votes to become the President for the next four years.

She is an educationist and a member (only woman) of the new Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) Executive Board.

By Elizabeth Alhassan

The national boxing team, Black Bombers on Saturday held a special training session at the Trust Sports Emporium Ltd. (TSEL) as they round up preparations to the Tokyo Olympic Games.

Under the supervision of able and experienced Coach Asare, they exhibited pure combative and competitive boxing to the admiration of all present at the Ga Mashie Sports Hall.

All the three qualified boxers, Suleman Tetteh the skipper of the team, Shakur Samir and Samuel Takyi sparred with experienced boxers for three minutes, in four action packed rounds.

Shakur Samir took on Prince Nartey in the middleweight division, before Suleman Tetteh fought Michael Abban in the flyweight division.

Samuel Takyi, showed class against Alfred Lamptey, the WABA featherweight title holder.

Present to watch the session were officials from Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) who visited the team to know the level of preparedness of the Black Bombers before the Olympic Games, which start on July 28 to August 8. 2021.

The President of the Ghana Amateur Boxing Federation (GBF), George Lamptey aka ‘Rato’ together with other officials welcomed and thanked them for their support and motivation.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) Presidential hopeful, Dr. Henry Manly-Spain  has assured Ghanaian boxing fans of more excitement in the ring and more champions in the next four years.

The boxing enthusiast who was speaking to the media after meeting the Minister of Youth & Sports, Hon Mustapha Ussif said he has been given full assurance of maximum support.

He expressed that boxers, coaches, managers and promoters must work hard to be in the list of champions.

According to Dr. Manly-Spain, Ghana is a boxing nation so there must be a frequent turn out of classic boxers and champions in Africa, Commonwealth and the world.

He said the GBA would put in place programmes capacity building for boxers, coaches and other ring officials.

He noted that Ghanaian champions, apart from the legendary Professor Azumah Nelson do not keep their titles for long, and ways should be found for them to defend and keep belts for at least two or three year and at most five years.

Dr. Manly-Spain said Ghana must be able to host international boxing conventions to attract tourists and raise the image of the nation.

He promised to cooperate and collaborate with the media in projects of the GBA to attract sponsors.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Mrs. Delphina Quaye has been elected the new President of the Ghana Swimming Association(GSA) for the next four years after she polled 27 votes against 3 votes by former Mr. Theo Wilson Edzie.

The Ghana Swimming Association (GSA) held its Elective Congress last Saturday, June 19, 2021 at the Media Centre of the Accra Sports Stadium.

Only the President’s position was contested between incumbent, Mr. Theophilus Wilson Edzie and Vice President Mrs. Delphina Quaye, as all other positions were filed unopposed with sole candidates.

The First Vice President is now Mr, Sam Brew, Second Vice President is Mrs. Saha Kambo - Lamptey, General Secretary was taken by Lawyer Mohammed Muniru Kassim and Treasurer Miss Farida Iddriss retained.

The four executive board members are Madam Serwah Gbene, Mr. Charles Mensah, Mr. Simon Danzumah and Mr. George Ansah from the Ashanti Region.

The delegates drawn from clubs in good standing from the Greater Accra, Eastern, Western, Ashanti and Brong Ahafo.

The Ghana Swimming Association is affiliated to the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC), and they have produced some amazing swimming champions.

Ghana was represented at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, Brazil, and they hope to improve upon their performance at Tokyo 2020.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

2021 Ghana Football Awards: Andre Ayew,  Kudus Mohammed & Gladson Awako nominated for Award

Nominees for the Ghana Football Awards have been announced with three players gunning for the prestigious Ghana Footballer of the Year Award.

The trio are Black Stars captain Andre Ayew who shinned for his Swansea side despite failing to secure promotion with them to the English top flight.

Teammates Kudus Mohammed who started his Ajax career brightly and won the Dutch league title is in contention while Great Olympics captain and talisman Gladson Awako is always among the nominees as they look to succeed last year's winner Thomas Partey.

The awards ceremony will come off on Saturday, July 3, 2021, at the Grand Arena, Accra..

Nominees for various categories of the awards was made public on Wednesday 16th June 2021.

Other categories that will be keenly contested include Homebased Football of the Year, Goal of the Year, Most Vibrant Club on Social Media and Club CEO of the Year

Kotoko's poster boy Fabio Gama will compete with Hearts of Oak talisman Ibrahim Salifu, Abdul Ganiyu, WAFA's Augustine Boakye, Samuel AAshie Quaye and Gladson Awako for the homebased player of the year.

Find all the nominees for the various categories below:

FOOTBALLER OF THE YEAR

1. Andre Ayew
2. Kudus Mohammed
3. Gladson Awako

WOMEN’S FOOTBALLER OF THE YEAR

1. Milot Pokua
2. Ophelia Amponsah
3. Sherifatu Sumaila

MEN’S COACH OF THE YEAR

1. Annor Walker
2. Karim Zito
3. Samuel Boadu

WOMEN’S COACH OF THE YEAR

1. Mercy Tagoe
2. Edna Quagraine

ODARTEY LAMPTEY FUTURE STAR AWARD

1. Kudus Mohammed
2. Abdul Fatawu Issahaku
3. Kamaldeen Sulemana

GOALKEEPER OF THE YEAR

1. Razak Abalora
2. Richard Ofori
3. Danlad Ibrahim

HOME-BASED FOOTBALLER OF THE YEAR

1. Augustine Boakye
2. Samuel Ashie Quaye
3. Diawisie Taylor
4. Ismail Ganiyu
5. Gladson Awako
6. Ibrahim Salifu
7. Fabio Gama

GOAL OF THE YEAR

1. Nasiru Moro (Legon Cities v Ashanti Gold)
2. Richmond Lamptey (Inter Allies v Hearts of Oak)
3. Fatawu Issahaku (Ghana v Tanzania)
4. Andre Ayew (Ghana v Sudan)
5. Gladson Awako (Great Olympics v Hearts of Oak)
6. Sandra Owusu Ansah ( Supreme Ladies v Kumasi Sports Academy)
7. Janet Ayieyam (Thunder Queens v Police ladies)

BEST GHANAIAN CLUB CEO

1. Nana Yaw Amponsah (Asante Kotoko )
2. Elloeny Amande (Karela United)
3. Dr Gifty Oware-Aboagye (Berry Ladies)

MALE TEAM OF THE YEAR

1. Great Olympics
2. Asante Kotoko
3. Hearts of Oak
4. Black Satellite

FEMALE TEAM OF THE YEAR

1. Hassacas Ladies
2. Berry Ladies
3. Ampem Dakoa Ladies

BEST AFRICAN INTERNATIONAL

1. Rayid Mahrez (Leicester City)
2. Edouard Mendy (Chelsea)
3. Franck Kessie (AC Milan)

MOST VIBRANT CLUB ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Dreams FC

Inter Allies

Asante Kotoko

Hearts Of Oak

Great Olympics

Legon Cities

Berry Ladies

Ridge City

Other honorary awards that will be awarded on the awards night include:

PLAYER OF THE DECADE AWARD

LIVING LEGEND AWARD

THUMPS UP AWARD