Ansah dominates Pappoe, claims inaugural Azumah Nelson title
Michael “One Bullet” Ansah rolled back the years and delivered a vintage performance on Easter Saturday night, outclassing long-time rival Michael Pappoe to claim a unanimous decision victory and etch his name into history as the inaugural winner of the Prof. Azumah Nelson Super Featherweight Emeritus title.
Fighting under the lights at the Aborigines Beach Hotel at Keta, Ansah combined experience, ring intelligence and precision to dominate proceedings after a cautious start, sealing revenge for his controversial split-decision defeat to Pappoe more than a decade ago.
The bout, staged by the World Alliance Boxing Association (WABA) in honour of Ghana’s boxing icon Azumah Nelson, began evenly, with both fighters probing and testing each other through two competitive opening rounds. But the complexion of the contest shifted dramatically in the third.
Ansah, 36, exploded into life with a thunderous knockdown that visibly shook Pappoe and tilted the fight firmly in his favour. From that moment, the veteran seized control, employing a disciplined “hit and don’t get hit” approach that left his opponent chasing shadows for the remainder of the contest.
Despite Pappoe’s determination and attempts to cut off the ring, Ansah’s movement, timing and defensive awareness proved decisive. The judges’ scorecards told a clear story: 96-93, 96-93 and a commanding 100-89, all in favour of Ansah.
The victory not only secured the historic WABA title but also saw Ansah reclaim Ghana`s super featherweight championship, marking him as a three-time national champion and reaffirming his enduring class in the ring.
The bout headlined a vibrant Easter boxing showcase promoted by Aborigines Promotions, aimed at revitalising professional boxing, while promoting tourism in the Volta Region.
In the co-main event, Agbozume’s Saviour Gad produced a statement performance, stopping Elliasu Sulley in the seventh round to capture the vacant WABA Supreme Global Super Middleweight title. Gad’s power and persistence proved too much, as he overwhelmed Sulley in front of an influential ringside audience.
Among the dignitaries present were National Sports Authority Director-General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, the Ghana Boxing Interim Management Committee Chairman Samir Captan, the GBA presidential hopeful Rabbon Dodoo and the WABA President Alfred Onesmo Ngowi. Their presence underscored the growing significance of the initiative spearheaded by Aborigines Promotions CEO Mitch Gilbert Woollams.
Also in attendance were the Volta Regional Minister James Gunu, the Ketu North MP Edem Agbana, Council of State representative Kwamigah Tanko Atokple, Special Assistant to the NDC National Chairman Atsu Klugah and former Ketu North MP Dr James Klutsey Avedzi, signalling strong institutional backing for the event.
Earlier, Abubakar Mubarak delivered a composed and clinical display to outpoint Benin’s resilient Justin Hounkpevi over 10 rounds. Although Hounkpevi proved durable, Mubarak’s superior technique and ring control earned him a deserved unanimous decision victory — 99-90, 97-92, 96-93 — and the WABA Supreme World Super Middleweight crown.
The packed fight card also produced wins for Daniel Otoo, Edmund Michael Akramah Tetteh, Abdoul Baki-Adamu, Kwabena Amfo Kwakye, Victus Kemavor and Sylvanus Kwame Tsagli, capping a memorable night that blended elite competition with a broader vision to elevate Ghanaian boxing.
For Ansah, however, the night belonged to him — a seasoned campaigner proving that class, even at 36, remains permanent.
