Ghana’s WBA Africa super flyweight champion, Michael “Black Spider” Abban, has signed a long-term management and promotional agreement with Landmark Promotions and Management Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Anthony Kermah, as he steps up his pursuit of Commonwealth and world titles.
The landmark deal formalises a relationship that has developed over the past one-and-a-half years, during which Kermah worked with Abban under a verbal arrangement that has yielded significant progress.
The partnership received a major boost after Abban secured mandatory challenger status for the Commonwealth super flyweight title by defeating South Africa’s Yanga Sigqibo by unanimous decision in Accra last Sunday.
Abban also successfully defended his WBA Africa crown at the Kalabash Event Centre in Pokuase, dominating Sigqibo throughout to secure a comprehensive victory.
The judges scored the bout 100-91, 98-91 and 100-91 for a victory that improved Abban’s record to 15 wins, including 10 knockouts, against one defeat and represents another significant milestone in his rapidly developing career.
Kermah, who has managed at least three boxers to world championship fights, believes Abban has the technical qualities required to become a world champion.
“My technical eye has identified something special in Michael. I believe he can become a world champion with the right support, guidance and preparation, and I am more than willing to provide that,” Kermah said.
Following his father, who was associated with Ringcraft Promotions that helped manage the legendary Azumah Nelson to world glory, Kermah is already looking beyond the Commonwealth challenge.
He envisions a potential world title fight against WBO champion Kenshiro Teraji in Japan next year, while also targeting the vacant WBC and WBA titles. Abban is currently ranked inside the WBA and WBC top 30, with the WBO on the horizon.
The 23-year-old said he was excited about the development, adding that his career had moved quickly in a positive direction since linking up with Kermah.
His trainer, Ebenezer Adjei, alias Coach Killa, also expressed appreciation to Kermah for his continued support and belief in the young boxer, saying his commitment had helped drive Abban’s rapid progress.
“I’m very excited about this new development. Things have moved quickly in a positive direction, and I believe there is much more success ahead as I pursue my world title ambitions,” Abban said.
“I have the stability and security I always wanted; now I can just concentrate on training and improvement every day. The world title is the target, and we are not resting until we grab it,” he emphasised.
