Best of Bukom: Segbedzi, Malm set for long-awaited showdown
The simmering rivalry between Sampson Segbedzi and Henry Malm will finally be settled in the ring after Bishop Boxing Promotions (BBP) confirmed the explosive clash as the headline attraction for the rescheduled “Best of Bukom 3” fight night at the Bukom Boxing Arena on May 8.
The much-anticipated event was initially slated for Good Friday, April 3, but organisers pushed it back by a month, citing respect for the Ramadan observance and the need to allow fighters adequate recovery time.
“Ensuring our competitors can perform at their best is a fundamental responsibility for Bishop Boxing Promotions; their health and well-being take precedence over scheduling,” said BBP President and CEO Dave Bishop.
“Expect the same high-calibre matchups and production on May 8 for what we intend to be one of the most memorable boxing nights yet,” he added.
The postponement has done little to dampen anticipation, especially after promoters confirmed the long-awaited confrontation between Segbedzi and Malm, two of Ghana’s most intense domestic rivals.
Segbedzi, 27, a former national and UBO Africa welterweight champion, is seeking to rebuild momentum after suffering the first defeat of his professional career last December when he lost to Belgium-born Guinean Ibrahim Diallo in a bid for the IBF International super-welterweight title at the University of Ghana Stadium.
Standing in his path is the hard-hitting Malm, a 26-year-old former national amateur team star who boasts an imposing professional record of 11 wins from 11 fights, including 10 knockouts.
Nicknamed “Junior Assassin,” Malm produced arguably the standout performance of his career on January 1 when he dismantled the durable Isaac Commey over six commanding rounds during “Best of Bukom 2”, also promoted by the BBP.
In the aftermath of that victory, Malm again called out Segbedzi — a challenge he had repeatedly issued in the past — but this time the “Pride of Ashaiman” finally accepted, paving the way for a bout that many within Ghana’s boxing fraternity believe could become one of the most compelling domestic match-ups in recent years.
“Two of the nation’s fiercest rivals prepare for a showdown that promises to be one of the biggest in Ghanaian boxing history,” Bishop said after confirming the fight.
The stacked fight card will also feature WBO Africa junior-welterweight champion Faisal Abubakari and new BBP Management signing Majid Yakubu, both scheduled to face international opponents.
Adding further intrigue is another potential show-stealer between former WBO Africa and Global champion Wasiru “Gyata Bi” Mohammed and Charles Tetteh, the inaugural Ghana Professional Boxing League Boxer of the Year.
