I'll stop Meija — Laryea declares ahead of featherweight bout

On Friday, it will be business for Ghana's highly rated prospect, John Abaja Laryea, alias Expensive Boxer, when he makes his US debut against Alexander Meija of Nicaragua in Orlando, Florida.

The 2-time reigning and defending WBO Africa champion left Accra last Friday in the company of his trainer, Lawrence Carl Lokko, vowing to silence his critics by announcing himself to a global audience with a clinical performance against the vastly experienced opponent at the Royale Caribe Orlando.

As usual, his large army of supporters led by his manager, Sammy Anim Addo, escorted him to the Kotoka International Airport to bid him farewell and wish him well. It more than inspired the boxer who was emphatic in the belief that victory is assured against the Nicaraguan on Friday night.

"I want to tell Ghanaians that there is no pressure at all, this won't take long. I'm just going to put my hands to work and return quickly. This will be very quick," Laryea told the Graphic Sports a few days before his trip to the US.

"I have a good team in my corner so I'm very confident. I know he's also a good boxer but if you are a good boxer, don't bring it near me otherwise I will switch you off. I'm promising Ghanaians that the fight won't travel far, I will switch him off, it's a promise," he added.

The 22-year-old Laryea (13-1, 11 KOs) who made his professional debut in October 2018 has racked up victories in all 14 career fights so far, except one split draw against Ezekiel Annan in 2019 in what was just his 6th career fight at the time. 

Barely two years later, young Laryea annexed the Ghana featherweight title by stopping Kamarudeen Boyefio in three rounds on Independence Day, March 6, 2021.

A first continental belt soon followed four months later for Expensive Boxer, following another stoppage victory by dethroning the then WBO Africa title holder, Sebastianus Natanael of Namibia whose deep cut sustained during the fight prompted the ringside doctor, Samuel Quaye, to advise that the fight be halted in round 4, much to the delight of Laryea and the home crowd at the Bukom Boxing Arena.

But a long period of inactivity which also coincided with his failure to make a mandatory defence of the title resulted in Laryea losing the continental championship.

The Ghanaian's hardworking team which had by now expanded to include US based top agent, Peter Khan, to co-manage and co-promote the budding talent, however, soon got him another shot at the WBO Africa title which he duly reclaimed by stopping compatriot Solomon Martey in April last year.

Laryea has since gone on to beat Gabriel Odoi Laryea to defend the belt before also seeing off Isaac Duwuona in the seventh round to also maintain his unbeaten career stats but the Accra native believes the time is right to begin his American dream.

"There is no problem at all just because it's my first time going there or the weather or whatever, I am ready. That place is just similar to here (Ghana), the system always changes. Maybe by the time I get there, the conditions will be in my favour. God will definitely back us to bring victory home," he prophesied.

"I thank my fans for their undying support and I promise to give them whatever they want me to do in the ring. They know and believe I can do it, anything that can be done in boxing I will do it. I will silence everyone in Ghana with my performance, watch out," John Laryea signed out.