Laryea presents UBO belt to Okuapehene

SAMUEL Martei Laryea, the newly-crowned UBO Africa super bantamweight champion, made a triumphant return to the venue of his career-defining victory last Friday. 

Laryea's visit was symbolic, as he presented his championship belt and expressed gratitude to the Okuapehene, Nana Kwasi Akuffo III, for providing the opportunity that enabled him to achieve his dream.

Accompanied by his trainer, Smart Abbey, and Isaac Amankwah, CEO of ACE Power Promotions, who manages and promotes Laryea as well as IBF Continental Africa featherweight titlist, Holy Dorgbetor, and Success Tetteh, Laryea wer warmly received by the Akuapem king who also blessed the boxer, urging him to go and conquer the world.

Laryea annihilated the Nigerian, Lukman Akinolugbade, en route to a fifth round TKO win last Saturday in Akropong, in the headliner of the 'Eastern Brawl' boxing show staged to commemorate the annual Odwira festival of the Akuapem people in the Eastern Region.

Empowered by Safebox and ACE Power Promotions, the 18-fight event took place at the forecourt of the Okuapehene's palace, with the king as main sponsor in the quest to inculcate the sport and hone talents from the community.

It was the occasion for 24-year-old Laryea to annex a first career title in his march towards international glory in the ring by totally dominating Akinolugbade in four rounds so much that the Nigerian failed to answer the bell for the fifth round.

Laryea won many converts among the Akuapem faithful at the ringside but most significantly he now has the full attention of Nana Kwasi Akuffo III who has challenged the boxer to aim for the top, even daring him to target the records of the great Azumah Nelson.

"We congratulate you for winning the title to give all of us victory, you have done well. But this must not be the end, you must work harder to get to the next level," the Okuapehene said through his linguist.

"I challenge you to aspire to even surpass the wonderful achievements of Azumah Nelson, become great then move to America to even top up Mike Tyson and the rest. You have my full support," Nana Kwasi Akuffo III added.