Boxing: Allotey cracks WBO Top 15 rankings

Ghana’s newest boxing sensation, Theophilus Kpakpo Allotey, has taken a giant step towards global stardom after breaking into the World Boxing Organisation (WBO) world rankings, landing at No.15 in the latest release last Thursday.

At just 23, the Accra-born fighter is enjoying a meteoric rise. In under a year as a professional, Allotey has already captured three major titles – the national super-flyweight crown, the UBO Africa belt, and, most recently, the WBO Continental bantamweight title with a commanding win over Daniel Selassie Gorsh in June.

That victory has firmly established him as one of Africa’s hottest prospects.

His exploits have not gone unnoticed by the sport’s governing bodies. He sits at No.6 in the IBF intercontinental rankings, No.9 in the IBO world list, and No.5 with the African Boxing Union (ABU).

But it is the breakthrough into the WBO global standings that truly signals his arrival on the world stage and inches him closer to a future shot at a world title.

Acting Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) president, Roger Barnor, believes Allotey’s climb deserves national acclaim, and possibly recognition at the Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) Awards.

“Theo’s success is a clear indication that determination and a proper training regime give you the edge over your peers,” Mr Barnor told the Graphic Sports.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s named SWAG Boxer of the Year. His WBO ranking means he’s closing in on the ultimate – a world title – and I can confidently say he’s one of the next big things to come out of Ghana.”

Allotey, who stopped Benin’s Martin Klaklevi in his last outing, is brimming with self-belief and has thrown down the gauntlet to the world’s bantamweight champions.

“I am ready not just to be a world champion, but to be the undisputed world champion,” he declared. “So I am calling out all the champions – WBC, IBF, IBO, even WBO – I am ready for any of them.”