Ghana’s rising boxing star George Faho Mensah is on the cusp of the biggest night of his young career as he heads to Doncaster, UK, to battle undefeated British southpaw Joe Hayden for the Commonwealth Silver welterweight title on November 21.
The bout marks Mensah’s first international appearance since turning professional in July 2023, a significant step in his quest for global recognition.
The gifted Ghanaian, who turned 21 last Saturday, has already compiled an impressive record of 11 wins, one draw and one loss in 13 fights, with nine victories coming by knockout.
After suffering his only professional defeat to rival Alidu Sulemana in October 2023, Mensah has gone on a blistering seven-fight knockout streak, emerging as one of the most exciting prospects in Ghanaian boxing.
Toughest test yet
However, his trip to the UK presents the sternest challenge of his career. His opponent, 26-year-old Joe Hayden, boasts a flawless record of 20 straight wins, having logged 88 professional rounds.
Remarkably, both boxers made their pro debuts just two weeks apart in July 2022, but their paths have been very different.
Hayden, trained and managed by Briton Dave “White Rhino” Allen, is known more for his grit than his knockout power, with only two stoppages in 20 wins.
Clash of styles
The Doncaster showdown will be the first scheduled 10-rounder for both fighters and doubles as a final eliminator for the Commonwealth welterweight title, currently held by Moldova-born Constantin Ursu.
For Mensah, the stakes could not be higher. Victory would not only hand him his first professional title but also put him within striking distance of the coveted Commonwealth (British Empire) belt — a prize that has launched the careers of several world champions.
“This fight means everything to me,” Mensah told close associates ahead of his trip. “It’s my chance to show what I can do on the big stage and make Ghana proud.”
Mensah’s master plan
Behind him is a team brimming with belief. His manager, Samuel Agyei Darkwah, CEO of SP Sport Management, says Mensah has both the mindset and talent to cause an upset in Doncaster.
“We believe so much in George; he’s a determined lad heading to the top,” said Darkwah, whose outfit also manages national cruiserweight champion Haruna Mohammed and rising prospect Charles Tetteh.
Since signing with SP Sport Management in June 2024, Mensah has been carefully guided along a roadmap designed to fast-track his rise from Accra’s gyms to the global spotlight.
A win in Doncaster could transform his career overnight, turning the young Ghanaian from a promising local fighter into a genuine international contender.
