Laryea stops Nigerian to win UBO Africa title

GHANA'S Samuel Martei Laryea became the new Universal Boxing Organisation (UBO) Africa super bantamweight champion last Saturday night after stopping Lukman Akinolugbade in five rounds in Akropong Akuapem, in the Eastern Region of Ghana.

Laryea's only previous fight against a foreign opponent ended in his only career defeat in March last year after which the 24-year-old swore never to let that unwanted history repeat itself against Akinolugbade even if he was fighting outside his favourite backyard in Accra.

Fighting in the headline event of the 2024 Odwira Fight Night, 'The Eastern Brawl', at the forecourt of the Akropong Palace, Laryea took no time to establish his rhythm, dominance and control of proceedings in all four rounds the fight lasted despite the valiant efforts of the opponent from Lagos.

The hefty body shots, hooks and uppercuts proved too much for Akinolugbade who succumbed on his stool at the sound of the bell for round five, much to the surprise of the excited crowd, many of who thought they were in for a real combat war that promised to go all the way.

"I felt no pressure at all, this is boxing and he also came to fight. My opponent showed his strengths early in the fight but I give credit to my corner for instructing me to change my style and go to the body. I wasn't surprised at all when he gave up, I knew the shots I hit him were deadly," Laryea told the Graphic Sports at the ringside.

Sponsored by the Omanhene of the Okuapeman Traditional Council, Oseadeeyo Kwesi Akuffo III, the Odwira Fight Night also saw a graduate of Accra Academy SHS, Cann Kotey Neequaye, aka Money Ray, maintaining his perfect career record via a stoppage of Theophilus Tetteh.

A native of Somanya, Prince Oko Nartey, returned to winning ways after stopping Aryeetey Okaidjah in three rounds.

Seth Gyimah, aka Freezy Macbones, or The New Mike Tyson, also featured on the undercard and marked it with what is fast becoming a trademark by dispatching opponent Marciano Commey in just one round. 

Highly-rated youngsters, Bernard Abbey, Gabriel Coffie and experienced former WBA Pan-African champion, Raymond Commey, aka Chorkor Banku, all notched up important victories on the night.