Allotey launches e-boxing tournament to empower Ga-Mashie youth
Ghanaian boxer Theophilus “Lopez” Allotey may be years away from a world title shot, but he is already proving himself a champion outside the ropes. Determined to use his rising platform to uplift his community, the 23-year-old has launched an ambitious initiative aimed at giving the youth of Ga-Mashie, particularly Bukom and Jamestown, a fighting chance — this time through the power of e-sports.
Launched on Sunday at Atukpai near Bukom, the knockout-style video game tournament features 64 players, including Allotey himself. Entirely self-funded by the promising boxer, the tournament is not only about virtual jabs and hooks but about creating real-life opportunities for the youth through the fast-growing world of e-sports, digital literacy and content creation.
The overall winner will walk away with a cash prize, but for Allotey, the bigger goal lies in the doors this digital platform could open.
“I want to be a world champion not just in the ring, but in life,” Allotey told the media at the launch. “This is my way of celebrating my birthday and my last victory, and giving back to the community that raised me.”
Fresh off a dominant win over local rival Daniel Selassie Gorsh, Allotey used the occasion (which also marked his 23rd birthday, on July 11) to unveil a project with long-term vision.
Beyond gaming, the initiative includes digital literacy training, job-ready skills and internship opportunities for young people often sidelined by circumstance.
The tournament, themed around the popular boxing simulation video game, has attracted the attention of the Ghana e-Sports Federation, whose officials will be scouting participants to potentially join national e-sports teams.
The event also featured side attractions, including tutorials in video streaming, content creation and effective use of social media. Rising private broadcaster KA Sports was on-site, offering internships to promising talent looking to break into sports media.
“Allotey plays these games himself, but this is not just about fun; it’s about professional growth,” said Sarah Asare, General Manager of Wisdom Boxing Promotions, which manages and trains the young boxer. “This tournament can be a launchpad for someone who’s never had such a platform.”
She added that the game itself was a powerful training tool for boxers to boost their boxing IQ because the game mirrors everything they do in the ring, from how they throw their jabs and hooks to overall fight strategy. Being able to visualise those movements virtually can enhance your performance when you’re actually in the ring.”
