‘Jaw Breaker’ Dorgbetor retains IBF title, sets sights on WBC glory
Holy Dorgbetor, the unbeaten Ghanaian featherweight sensation known as Jaw Breaker, made a thunderous statement ahead of the WBC Grand Prix by dismantling fellow countryman Patrick Aryee Ayi with a devastating third-round knockout to successfully defend his IBF Continental Africa title at a charged Bukom Park last week.
In a performance as explosive as his nickname, Dorgbetor weathered an early onslaught from the experienced Ayi before unleashing a brutal barrage that sent his challenger crashing to the canvas — and possibly into retirement.
The 25-year-old from Mepe extended his professional record to 13 wins (8 KOs) and one draw, electrifying the crowd in the main event of ACE Power Promotions’ “Street to Champions” showpiece, which also featured a fiercely contested international amateur tournament between Ghana and Nigeria.
Watched from ringside by his American-based manager, Dr Adae Opoku Amoako, as well as former world champions Joshua Clottey and Joseph ‘King Kong’ Agbeko, Dorgbetor shrugged off the nerves of the occasion with a poised and dominant display against a dangerous opponent.
Ayi, 29, a former national super featherweight champion with 28 fights under his belt, came out firing from the opening bell.
He fought like a man possessed, charging inside to nullify Dorgbetor’s superior reach and hammering away at the body in hopes of wearing down the younger champion.
But Dorgbetor, still buzzing from news of his selection for the inaugural WBC Grand Prix in Riyadh later this month, stayed composed.
Using his reach to full advantage, he picked his shots with precision, catching Ayi on the counter and gradually turning the tide.
Then came the grand finale. Midway through round three, Dorgbetor exploded with a vicious four-punch combination — left, right, left again, right — that dramatically floored Ayi.
The dreadlocked warrior lay flat on his back, stunned and motionless, as referee Richard Ghartey stepped in and waved it off at 2 minutes, 48 seconds, sparking wild celebrations in the crowd.
Ayi rose to protest, but the decision stood. The belt remains around Dorgbetor’s waist — and his eyes are now firmly fixed on Saudi Arabia, where he will compete for a staggering $200,000 prize in the WBC’s featherweight division from April 17–20.
“First of all, I thank God for this victory,” a jubilant Dorgbetor said at the ringside. “And I thank my opponent for putting me to the test — he brought out the best in me.”
“My next goal is the world title. Step by step, I’m getting there. But for now, my focus is on winning the WBC title in Saudi Arabia. I ask all Ghanaians to support and pray for me.”
Dorgbetor will be joined at the Grand Prix by two other rising stars — national super lightweight champion Samuel “No Chance” Quaye and middleweight prospect Shakul Samed — as Ghana seeks global recognition in Riyadh.
Elsewhere on the card, Ghana secured a 3-2-1 victory over Nigeria in the amateur bouts, with Desmond Pappoe’s win at 75kg proving decisive.
In another professional bout, Emmanuel Quartey maintained his unbeaten run (9-0-1, 7 KOs) with a second-round stoppage of Nigeria’s Toheeb Kolajo in a thrilling super lightweight contest.
