Lokko targets world title glory after grabbing SWAG top honours

Celebrated Ghanaian boxing trainer, Lawrence Carl Lokko, is basking in the glory of being named Best Coach of the Year at the 2024 Boxing Ghana Awards, followed by the prestigious SWAG Dedication and Valour Award just a week later.

Yet, despite the accolades, he has no intention of slowing down.

In an exclusive interview with Graphic Sports, the veteran coach revealed his relentless drive to elevate his fighters to international stardom, with the ultimate goal of clinching global boxing titles.

“I feel great for the recognition," Lokko said after being honoured at the 49th SWAG Awards in Accra last Friday. "But this is just the beginning.

There’s still so much to be done. When you’re doing things right, recognition like this shouldn’t be a surprise – it should fuel your determination to do even more.”

Lokko, who played a pivotal role in guiding Richard Oblitey Commey from a promising rookie to a world title contender, remains determined to achieve the ultimate goal in professional boxing.

Commey's journey under Lokko's mentorship culminated in a heart-wrenching, razor-thin split decision loss to Robert Easter Jr. for the world title in 2016. Still, the coach is far from disheartened.

Gym built for champs

Lokko’s Bronx Boxing Club also bagged Gym of the Year at the Boxing Ghana Awards, highlighting the exceptional talent nurtured within its walls.

Under his guidance, several boxers have claimed national and continental titles, Daniel Selassie Gorsh (WBO Africa bantamweight champion), John Abaja Laryea (undefeated two-time WBO Africa featherweight champ), National and UBO Africa champ, Stanley 'Ashanti Warrior' Nyantakyi, and former national cruiserweight champion, Jacob Dickson, are just a few of the budding talents the respected trainer is counting to achieve his mission of winning global boxing titles. 

However, he is quick to acknowledge that the success isn't his alone. "The gym is a collective effort of boxers, coaches, managers and promoters," he said.

"At the Boxing Ghana Awards, we won more than just the Coach of the Year award. Stanley Nyantakyi was named Professional Boxer of the Year, Gordon Frimpong of Osibor Promotions was awarded Best Manager, and the gym itself earned Gym of the Year. It shows we’re on the right path."

International glory 

Looking to the future, Lokko is determined to take his fighters to the international stage. "Expect international fights, more wins, and the titles we’re aiming for," he promised.

"Every coach’s ultimate goal is to win a world title. You don’t win just one or two and then rest. You must keep pushing and working harder."

Lokko is determined to make 2025 a milestone year for Bronx Boxing Gym, targeting global recognition for both his fighters and the gym as a whole.

“By the end of 2025, Bronx Boxing will make Ghana proud and set a new benchmark for boxing excellence. We’re working relentlessly to make all our boxers, and indeed all boxing gyms in Ghana, proud,” he pledged.