New WBO Africa champ Allotey targets world title glory
Theophilus Kpakpo Allotey lived up to the hype with a dazzling display of boxing brilliance to dethrone Daniel Selassie Gorsh and claim the WBO Africa bantamweight title — and he is wasting no time in aiming even higher.
The young champion is shifting focus to bigger career goals, chief among them becoming a world boxing champion. He has the full support and commitment of the Minister of Sports and Recreation on the journey to global stardom.
In front of a raucous, rain-soaked crowd at the Bukom Boxing Arena last Friday night, the 23-year-old boxing sensation put on a masterclass, completely outclassing Gorsh in the co-main event of the explosive Battle of the Beasts fight night.
Allotey, a former amateur standout, wasted no time stamping his authority, controlling the bout from the opening bell with slick movement, lightning-quick jabs and clever ringcraft that left his previously unbeaten opponent reeling. After 12 rounds of dominance, the judges had no doubts: 117-111, 118-110, 118-110 — a landslide victory.
It was a statement win that secured his third title in just under a year as a professional, having already captured the national and UBO Africa super flyweight belts. Now, Allotey’s focus has turned firmly to global honours.
“There was no pressure — we treated it like business as usual,” he said with calm confidence after the fight. “From my amateur experience to the discipline and courage we’ve built, I was ready. We talk and we deliver — that’s why I’m the new, and still!”
But the young fighter is far from content. “The dream remains the same — to become a world champion,” he continued. “This was just one step. Gorsh was a strong opponent, and this victory has opened the door. I know the road ahead will be even tougher, so I’ll work even harder.”
Among the thousands in attendance were boxing legends Azumah Nelson, Joshua Clottey, Anthony Joshua and Amir Khan — all of whom witnessed the birth of what could be Ghana’s next boxing icon.
His rise is being backed at the highest level. Last Wednesday, Allotey and his team — led by renowned trainer Kwasi Ofori Asare and daughter-turned-General Manager, Sarah Lotus Asare — paid a courtesy call on Ghana’s Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Iddie Adams, to seek his support in realising Allotey’s world title ambitions.
“We approached the minister to help us rally corporate sponsorship behind Theo,” Sarah Asare explained. “Winning a world title requires heavy investment, and with the minister’s help, we believe we can make that dream a reality — not just for Theo, but for Ghana,” she added.
The minister did not hold back in his praise. He hailed Allotey's triumph as a powerful symbol of not just personal triumph but of Ghana’s growing global boxing potential. Mr Adams congratulated Allotey Coach on the technical brilliance that guided him to this milestone.
"Your partnership is a shining example of how talent and discipline when paired with solid coaching, can produce world-class results.
Congratulations, champ. The journey to the world title begins now and Ghana is behind you all the way," Mr Adams said.
He pledged the ministry’s full support to Allotey’s next steps, including mobilising resources, securing sponsorships and arranging top-tier training and camping opportunities abroad.
"We are fully committed to supporting Theo’s next steps towards a world title fight. I assure you of our assistance in mobilising resources, sponsorship and exploring serious training and camping opportunities to enhance your abilities," he said.
