Takyi pleads for state support in world title quest
Ghana’s Olympic bronze medallist Samuel “Ring Warrior” Takyi has issued a passionate plea for government support in his pursuit of a world boxing title, after his highly anticipated bout against Nigerian prodigy Fatiu Ijomoni fell through in dramatic fashion last week.
The 24-year-old, who relocated to London earlier this year to intensify his professional career, had spent months preparing for the WBO Youth Lightweight Championship clash, scheduled for October 1.
But in a shocking turn of events, Ijomoni’s camp pulled out at the eleventh hour, without offering any credible explanation.
Takyi, who had flown from London to honour the fight after weeks of negotiations, described the incident as deeply disappointing but said he was determined to move on stronger.
“It’s sports — anything can happen — but things like this only make me stronger,” he told the Graphic Sports shortly after returning to Accra for the first time since relocating to the UK.
“Training went perfectly; I was ready to explode. But unfortunately, my opponent chickened out. I’ve learnt a lot in my career, and right now, I don’t think anyone can beat me in boxing.”
Still unbeaten as a professional with seven wins (all by knockout), Takyi believes he is on the verge of something historic. But he insists his progress will require structured national backing, not just personal effort.
“I’m the next Azumah Nelson,” he declared with conviction. “The government should help me become a world champion. I’m calling on the government to support me with sponsorships and opportunities.”
The Tokyo 2020 Olympic medallist, who also won gold at the 2023 African Games, said he has already proven his pedigree and only needs the state’s full endorsement to bring another world title home to Ghana.
“I’ve put Ghana on the map already — Olympic bronze, African Games gold medal — I’ve shown what I can do. Now it’s time for Ghana to push me to the next level. I want to make this country proud again.”
Mixed fortunes for Ghanaians
It proved a night of mixed fortunes for Ghana’s other representatives. Elvis Ahorgah secured the nation’s only victory of the evening, while Akimos Ampiah and Azumah Mohammed both suffered defeats in their respective bouts.
The aborted Takyi versus Ijomoni clash formed part of a major boxing event in Nigeria organised by Dr Ezekiel Adamu’s Balmoral Group, in partnership with former world champion Amir Khan, who previously collaborated with Sharaf Mahama, son of Ghana’s president, to stage a similar show in Accra last June.
