Ghana’s rising boxing star, Abubakar Kamoko, widely known as Ambitious Tilapia and the son of the renowned Bukom Banku, settled for a silver medal at the ongoing 2023 African Games.
Despite being tipped as the successor to the legendary Azumah Nelson, Ambitious Tilapia faced defeat against Algeria’s Kanouni Ousama, who showcased technical prowess to secure a unanimous decision victory.
Nevertheless, Ghana celebrated victories as 2020 Olympic medalist Samuel Takyi, alongside Mohammed Amadu, Mohammed Aryeetey, and 2022 Commonwealth Games medalist Joseph Commey, all claimed gold medals in the 2023 African Games on Friday night.
Mohammed Aryeetey was the first to take home the gold medal in the minimum weight division after comfortably defeating DR Congo fighter Tulembekwa Zola Livens.
He became the first Ghanaian boxer to win the elusive medal at the African Games since Flyweight boxer Steven Dotse Ahialey in 1991.
“I was focusing on my professional career. When I heard news about the tournament, I decided with my management to help Ghana to win gold. With God on my side, I have gotten to my destination,” Aryeetey told 3Sports.
Next was Joseph Commey who also made light work of Zambia’s Andrew Chilata in the lightweight division to win his first gold medal, sending the crowd at the Bukom Boxing arena into ecstacy.
“I had to prove to fans that I can take the gold medal. Now I want to win an Olympic medal for Ghana,” Commey said.
Mohammed Amadu was dominant in the bantamweight final against Zambia’s Mwengo Mwale, forcing the referee to stop the bout prematurely.
Samuel Takyi also carried on from there, winning via a unanimous decision in the Light Welterweight class against Emmanuel Katema from Zambia.
These achievements highlight Ghana’s continued excellence in boxing, even as new talents emerge on the global stage.