Sports
Of Ike Quartey Sr. demise and John Laryea’s world champion’s prospect
Coach Carl Lokko (right) and John Laryea display a title belt
Ghana lost her iconic first Olympic Games medallist, Clement Ike ‘Bazooka’ Nii Kpakpofio Quartey, over the weekend at the age of 86 in London.
Moments after the news of his demise broke, social media got flooded with reports as outlets competed to scoop each other, with some going to the extent of using images of the former WBA world champion, Ike ‘Bazooka’ Quartey, who is a half-brother.
This generation knows little or nothing about this fallen hero. Some even thought it was the ‘Bazooka’ they knew until clarifications were put out.
But for those who don’t know much and won’t bother to check, this piece of information should help them know the status of the Ike Quartey Snr being discussed.
‘Bazooka’ Snr was the first African and Ghanaian to win an Olympic medal in any sport. He did so from the 1960 Olympic Games held in Rome.
That feat brought honour to not only Ghana but Africa as a continent.
Two years later, he won gold medal at the 1962 Commonwealth Games held in Perth, Australia to establish Ghana as a powerhouse in the sport and added another gold medal from the inaugural African Boxing Championship in Cairo, Egypt.
Sadly, instead of dominating discussions on sports platforms, the feat of an emerging world champion prospect, John Laryea in the United States of America halted the discussion, at least for now.
Comparatively, this new kid on the block is yet to record a feat closer to the amateur legend but considering the state of Ghana boxing at present, the joy from the win of an ordinary contest is understandable.
And what has attracted the attention of many is the fact that Laryea is coming from the Akoto Lante based Bronx Boxing gym that have contributed immensely in producing the last few champions or half-baked champions from Ghana.
Readily coming to mind is Richard ‘Azonto’ Commey who started a burgeoning career under the Head Coach of the gym, Carl Lokko.
Holding so much promise, Commey became the face of the gym although there were senior boxers around and when he rose through the ranks to become a world champion, it came as little surprise to anyone that knew the pair.
It was unfortunate that camaraderie between coach and boxer was broken at some point as both pursued individual careers.
Bronx gym has since remained in the hunt for another potential world beater for many years with many boxers getting several chances but to no avail until the emergence of Laryea.
Laryea is an unbeaten WBO African featherweight champion at 14-0-1, 12 KOs.
Having dominated in Ghana and African rings, he made his debut in America over the weekend, defeating Nicaraguan boxer, Alexander Mejia, in a featherweight contest with a Unanimous Decision at the Caribe Royale in Orlando, Florida, on Friday, November 1.
His journey so far has been hailed by many, showing a similar dedication and commitment seen from the former world champion, Commey.
Known as the ‘Expensive boxer’, this is just the beginning of a long, difficult, enduring and tortuous journey for him to become a world champion in the featherweight division.
It is considered as one of the most difficult weight divisions and requires discipline and commitment to rule.
Azumah Nelson remained at the top of those twin divisions – feather and super featherweights, for 10 years and dealt with some of the finest brawlers across the globe.
If Azumah did that then Laryea with similar traits can do same or even better.
All he needs is the discipline to go on that wild journey.
By Andrew Norte
Sports
Ampem Darkoa, Sung Shinning seek crucial wins in Northern Zone of Malta Guinness Women’s Premier League
Ampem Darkoa Ladies return home after shocking exit from the Women’s FA Cup at the hands of Division One side Rootz Sistaz.
Despite this setback, the former champions remain unbeaten in the Women’s Premier League, following a draw with Northern Ladies in their last fixture.
Meanwhile, bottom-placed Sung Shining Ladies, based in Wa, will host Northern Ladies, aiming to secure maximum points and escape the relegation zone.
Here is what to expect in the Northern Zone:
Sung Shining Ladies FC vs. Northern Ladies FC
Sung Shining Ladies FC will host Northern Ladies FC, seeking to bounce back from their FA Cup quarterfinal disappointment. The home side has struggled to maintain leads in recent matches. Northern Ladies FC will look to continue their momentum and move up the table.
Ampem Darkoa Ladies vs. Kumasi Sports Academy
Ampem Darkoa Ladies will shift their focus to the premier league after a shocking FA Cup exit. They remain unbeaten in the league and will look to maintain their run against Kumasi Sports Academy, who are struggling in 8th position.
Tamale Super Ladies vs. Fosu Royal Ladies
Tamale Super Ladies will seek a second consecutive win when they host Fosu Royal Ladies. The Super Ladies are fifth in the table, while Fosu Royal Ladies are fourth. A win could push Tamale Super Ladies into the top four.
Dreamz Ladies vs. Prison Ladies
Dreamz Ladies will take on Prison Ladies in an electrifying encounter. Both teams have shown impressive form, and this clash promises to be a thrilling display of determination.
Supreme Ladies vs. Savannah Ladies
Supreme Ladies will clash with Savannah Ladies at the Bantama Astro Turf. Both teams are seeking to improve their standing in the league table. Supreme Ladies are bottom of the table and will look to pick maximum points at home.
Sports
Hasaacas Ladies face off against Police Ladies in Southern Zone as Malta Guinness Women’s Premier League returns
The Malta Guinness Women’s Premier League resumes this weekend with Match Day 12, featuring highly anticipated clashes. In the Southern Zone, leaders Hasaacas Ladies face off against second-placed Police Ladies in a thrilling encounter that promises to be a highlight of the weekend.
Two points separate the two teams as Police Ladies trail record holders Hasaacas Ladies in the title race. Meanwhile, Halifax Ladies will host struggling Berry Ladies, with the home team seeking maximum points to improve their league standing.
Here is what to expect in the Southern Zone:
Epiphany Warriors vs. LadyStrikers
Epiphany Warriors, currently 4th with 21 points, face LadyStrikers, who sit 6th in the table with 13 points. Despite their standings, LadyStrikers have shown they can compete against tougher opponents following an impressive showing against the top three teams.
Epiphany Warriors are poised to start as favorites, but they must remain cautious of LadyStrikers’ formidable quality.
Soccer Intellectuals vs. Jonina Ladies
Soccer Intellectuals, struggling with 2 wins and 2 draws from 10 games, host Jonina Ladies, who recently booked an FA Cup semi-final berth.
Soccer Intellectuals vs. Jonina Ladies
Soccer Intellectuals, struggling with 2 wins and 2 draws from 10 games, host Jonina Ladies, who recently booked an FA Cup semi-final berth with a 5-1 win.
Police Ladies vs. Hasaacas Ladies
League leaders Hasaacas Ladies face Police Ladies, who aim to reclaim the top spot on home turf. Hasaacas Ladies are favorites following their Women’s FA Cup quarter-final heroics. They lead the table with 24 points – two points ahead of their host going into this epic clash.
Halifax Ladies vs. Berry Ladies
New entrants Halifax Ladies, seeking consistency, face strugglers Berry Ladies, who are deeply, rooted at the bottom of the Southern Zone standings.
Faith Ladies vs. Army Ladies
Faith Ladies, with 8 points, host Army Ladies, who are enjoying a strong campaign in fifth place with 20 points. Army Ladies will aim to extend their unbeaten run.
