In an era when sports journalism often celebrates the spectacle more than the substance, Bernard Djanie Neequaye stands as a refreshing force for truth, accountability, and reform. A Ghanaian-born sports journalist with a growing international reputation, Neequaye has devoted his career to telling the human stories behind boxing – the triumphs, the tragedies, and the systemic inequities that define one of the world’s oldest and most storied sports.
For more than a decade, Neequaye has chronicled the world of boxing with precision and passion, focusing not only on the glory inside the ring but also on the struggles outside it. His writing – both compelling and compassionate – has earned him recognition across continents and a reputation as one of the sport’s most thoughtful commentators.
A career rooted in purpose
Neequaye began his journalism journey at Ghana’s largest media organization, the Graphic Communications Group Limited (GCGL), where his column “From the Ringside” became a must-read for boxing enthusiasts. He earned widespread acclaim for his investigative features that examined the welfare of boxers and the lack of post-retirement support for athletes. His advocacy for transparency and fairness quickly set him apart from his peers.
In 2021, his commitment was formally recognized when he was named “Best Boxing Journalist of the Year” by the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) – an award that underscored both his professional excellence and his deep sense of responsibility to the sport and its athletes.
An international voice for ethical reform
Now based in the United States, Neequaye has brought his voice and vision to global audiences through respected platforms such as BoxingScene.com and Premier Boxing Champions (PBC). His widely cited feature, “Ushering Boxing Into A New Era: A Critical Examination of the Sweet Science,” sparked international discussion about fighter welfare, financial exploitation, and the continued relevance of the Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act (Ali Act) – a U.S. law designed to protect boxers’ rights and promote fairness in the business of boxing.
The article – described by former IBF world champion Joseph “King Kong” Agbeko as evidence of Neequaye’s “rare depth of understanding and integrity” – explored how even legendary American fighters like Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield fell victim to structural failings within the boxing system. Through this work, Neequaye positioned himself as both a journalist and an advocate for reform, echoing the ethical spirit that defined Muhammad Ali himself.
Championing voices beyond the ring
Beyond his hard-hitting investigations, Neequaye has become a bridge between continents – amplifying African boxing stories for global audiences. His coverage of Ghana’s national boxing team, the Black Bombers, at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham offered readers a rare glimpse into the culture, discipline, and resilience that define African boxing. His storytelling has brought global visibility to fighters who might otherwise have remained in the shadows, earning praise from figures like Jason Langendorf, a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA) and Editor at BoxingScene.
“Through his work,” Langendorf noted, “Americans and a broader international audience have been introduced to unique African boxing stories that might otherwise go untold. By guiding these stories into the mainstream, Mr. Neequaye has enriched U.S. sports journalism and expanded its international scope.”
A scholar with a mission
Neequaye’s influence extends beyond journalism into academia. A Master’s graduate from Idaho State University (ISU), he has conducted groundbreaking research on “Sportswashing in China and Saudi Arabia,” exploring how nations use global sports to reshape international perception. His academic work mirrors his journalistic mission – using sports as a lens to promote ethics, transparency, and human dignity.
Dr. Neelam Sharma, a professor at Idaho State University, describes Neequaye as “a journalist-scholar whose work bridges cultural understanding and policy relevance – a combination that strengthens both sports media and international dialogue.”
The future of boxing journalism
As boxing evolves in the digital age, Bernard Neequaye’s role becomes even more vital. His blend of scholarly insight, journalistic rigor, and moral clarity offers a blueprint for what sports reporting can and should be – a force for truth, advocacy, and positive change.
Looking ahead, Neequaye envisions launching a media and communications platform dedicated to boxing journalism and athlete welfare advocacy – a space that mentors’ young reporters and gives voice to underrepresented athletes. In a profession often dominated by hype and headlines, his approach reminds us that journalism, at its best, is about service – to truth, to justice, and to humanity.
A legacy in progress
From Accra to Pocatello, from the bustling press rooms of Graphic Sports to the digital corridors of BoxingScene, Bernard Neequaye’s journey is far from over. Yet his impact is already clear. He is not merely reporting the sport – he is helping reshape its conscience.
As boxing continues to grapple with issues of fairness, regulation, and representation, figures like Neequaye ensure that the stories worth telling will never go unheard.
