Boxing: Bombers, Hitters begin preparations for crucial tourneys
Ghana’s national boxing squads — the Black Bombers (men) and the Black Hitters (women) — are set to commence intensive preparations this week as they gear up for two major international tournaments scheduled for September.
The Black Bombers will represent Ghana at the maiden World Boxing (WB) Championships for elite male and female boxers in Liverpool, England, from September 4 to 11.
This historic event will crown the first-ever male and female WB world champions across 10 weight divisions, and Ghana is targeting participation in at least seven to eight categories.
In readiness for this global test, 15 boxers have been invited for non-residential camping beginning Wednesday at the Accra Sports Stadium.
The squad comprises a blend of seasoned Bombers and promising talents from the national youth side, Black Rockets, many of whom featured at the 2023 IBA World Youth Championships in Montenegro and the recent African Youth Boxing Championships in Guinea.
These boxers will train under the experienced eye of National Head Coach, Kwesi Ofori Asare, as Ghana sharpens its arsenal for a shot at medals and prestige in Liverpool.
Meanwhile, the Black Hitters are also stepping into gear, with their sights firmly set on the 20th Silesian Women’s Open Tournament in Gliwice, Poland, from September 7— 14. This event — another WB-sanctioned competition — will run concurrently with the World Championships and is seen as a vital development platform for Ghana’s female boxing team.
The Head Coach, Abdul Rasheed Williams, known in boxing circles as Coach Believer, has called up over a dozen fighters to begin training at the Bronx Boxing Club at Bukom beginning today. Notable names include Ramatu Quaye, Janet Acquah, Margaret Owoo, Perpetual Okaijah, Mary Quartey, Wendy Abubakar, Adelaide Djabatey, Elizabeth Darko, Faruza Osman and Trudy Manteaw.
According to Ghana Boxing Federation First Vice-President, Alhaji Dauda Fuseni, the Silesian Tournament offered the ideal springboard for the Black Hitters to gain critical international exposure before being launched into more competitive terrain.
“We are hoping the Bombers can deliver medals in Liverpool to boost morale ahead of the Olympic qualifiers,” Alhaji Fuseni told Graphic Sports, adding, “But for the Hitters, this Polish tournament is a key opportunity to gain experience and confidence before we push them into higher-level contests.”
He further appealed for early support from the state and corporate sponsors to ensure Ghana’s boxers are adequately equipped for success.
“As always, the talent is there — we could easily fill all the weight categories — but financial limitations remain a challenge. We urge the government and Corporate Ghana to support us now, and we’ll repay that faith with medals and honour,” he said.
