Ghanaian boxer Laryea dominates Mejia on US debut

John Abaja Laryea, alias Expensive Boxer, lived up to his word by inflicting severe punishment on Nicaragua's Alexander Mejia, in the Ghanaian's debut fight in the United States of America (USA) last Friday.

Laryea, the reigning WBO Africa featherweight champ, served notice of his intentions by flooring his more experienced opponent in the opening seconds of round one and continued to pummel Mejia in eight dominant rounds, reflected in the overwhelming verdict of 80-69, 80-69, 80-69 on the three scorecards.

Fighting on the undercard of world title challenger, Jamaine Ortiz versus Christian Ruben Mino headlined the show at the Royale Caribe in Orlando, Florida, Laryea took complete control of the featherweight contest, chasing and pounding Mejia, giving him no sniff in, but the rugged Nicaraguan refused to go down.

It proved no hindrance to the relentless Laryea as he maintained the beatdown while being cheered on by a sizeable Ghanaian crowd led by former Accra Hearts of Oak and Black Stars singer, Laryea Kingston, and expressed delight after winning his 14th fight of his professional career.

"I am very delighted with my performance and the result, especially with the support of the fans here. Not just Laryea (Kingston), but there were many Ghanaians here to support me so I was very comfortable. I appreciate it very much that Ghanaians came to support me," Laryea told Graphic Sports from his hotel room in Orlando.

"The fight was also good for me, I was very satisfied with my performance. I told you before I left Ghana that he is a good boxer so I tried to impose my authority early and showcase my talent. I'm not worried about not knocking him out. I am happy that in my first fight in America, I could go all the rounds and I had to work hard all the time too, it was a good exercise," Abaja Laryea stated.

His long-time manager, Sammy Anim Addo, who was at ringside to support Coach Lawrence Carl Lokko in Laryea's corner, revealed what was next for the 22-year-old budding star from Bukom.

"We will return to Ghana and continue working for his next fight in 2025. This time he will start with a training tour in the US before the fight," Mr Anim Addo disclosed.