Battle of the Beasts: Ghana hosts mega fight night with global stars at Bukom Boxing Arena

Fireworks are expected at the biggest night of Ghanaian boxing this year, as all roads lead to the Bukom Boxing Arena this evening for the "Battle of the Beasts" extravaganza. The event promises exciting match-ups and will feature a host of top international stars, including Anthony Joshua and Amir Khan, all in attendance.

Ghana's Jacob ‘The Beast’ Dickson takes on Nigerian-American Andrew ‘The Beast’ Tabiti in the main event, with the inaugural WBC Africa Bridgerweight Championship at stake. At Thursday’s official weigh-in, held before a packed crowd at the iconic Bukom Park in the heart of Ghana’s boxing hub, Tabiti tipped the scales at 223 lbs—significantly heavier than Dickson, who came in at 211 lbs.

The co-main event is equally anticipated, as two of Ghana’s hottest world-beating prospects, Daniel Selassie Gorsh and Theophilus Kpakpo Allotey, put their unbeaten records (a combined 25-0) on the line. They will clash for the WBO Africa Bantamweight Title, currently held by Gorsh. The champion weighed in at 116.9 lbs, while Allotey, the reigning national and UBO Africa Super Flyweight Champion, posted 116.5 lbs—both comfortably within the limit.

Another bout set to captivate the audience is the National Cruiserweight Championship, featuring titleholder Haruna “Thunder” Haruna, who weighed in at 201.4 lbs, and challenger Ahmed Abdula, who came in slightly lighter at 196 lbs.

The show, which also forms part of the World Boxing Council’s “Year of Africa” programme, will honour Ghanaian boxing legend Azumah Nelson. The Hall of Famer, already enshrined as the WBC’s greatest super featherweight of all time, will be presented with another accolade during the event.

Among the high-profile guests confirmed to attend ringside are two-time former heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua—who arrived in Accra on Friday morning—and co-promoter Amir Khan, himself an Olympic medallist, former world champion, and current WBC Ambassador.

In addition to the mouthwatering boxing card, entertainment will be provided by Ghana’s Artiste of the Year, King Promise, and Kojo Black. President John Dramani Mahama is also expected to attend the event, reflecting his long-standing love for the sport and to show support for his son, Sharaf Mahama, whose Legacy Rise Sports Promotions is behind the event.

"At Legacy Rise Sports, we set out to create events like this," said Mahama Jnr.

"I have studied international boxing for a while now and I've seen what they are doing out there in the UK, US, and Saudi Arabia. We can do the same thing here in Ghana. At the Bukom Arena, we can host those same shows. Tonight is a big one—come early and let’s enjoy good boxing," he added.

Amir Khan agreed, saying it was time Ghana reclaimed its place on the global boxing map.

"We love Ghana, we love the people in Ghana, and we are here to give the best boxing to Ghana. I think since the days of Azumah Nelson, it is time to bring the big fights back to Ghana. All thanks to my brother Sharaf—he has always been a big support and I appreciate him very much," Khan said.