Takyi stops Togo’s Sarouna in three, calls out local rivals

Tokyo 2020 Olympic bronze medallist Samuel “Ring Warrior” Takyi delivered a clinical display to stop Fatiou Sarouna of Togo in the third round last Friday night in Accra, headlining the “Freedom and Justice” Fight Night organised by SEM Promotions.

Fighting for the first time this year, the Bukom-based boxer dominated the contest from the opening bell, showcasing speed, accuracy and relentless pressure before sealing a brutal stoppage in the fifth and final bout of the night.

The fight card stretched close to 2 a.m. following strict enforcement of medical and safety protocols introduced by the Ghana Boxing Interim Management Committee (GBIMC).

After extensive consultations involving GBIMC Chairman Samir Captan, his deputy Azumah Nelson and veteran trainer Ofori Asare, who represented the committee at ringside, only five bouts were eventually sanctioned.

Dominant performance

When Takyi finally stepped into the ring, he wasted little time asserting his authority. The Olympic hero stalked Sarouna around the ring, peppering the Togolese veteran with sharp jabs and combinations that kept him constantly on the defensive.

Sarouna survived the early onslaught in the first two rounds, but Takyi raised the tempo in the third, trapping his opponent against the ropes before unleashing a flurry of punches.

A perfectly timed left hook eventually sent Sarouna crashing through the ropes and almost onto the bare floor outside the ring. Though he managed to climb back inside, the damage had already been done.

Referee Richard Ghartey stepped in to halt the contest at 1 minute 13 seconds of the third round, handing Takyi his ninth consecutive victory — all by knockout — to maintain his perfect professional record.

Speaking after the bout, Takyi praised his technical team led by Coach Ofori Asare before turning his attention to local rivals Alfred Lamptey and Joseph Commey, who had earlier issued challenges on social media.

“Where are they? I saw them here earlier, but of course, they are afraid, so they have run away,” Takyi said.

“Tell Alfred Lamptey it’s not about social media gimmicks — put the signature on the contract, let’s fight.”

Supporting bouts

Earlier on the undercard, rising heavyweight Joseph Antwi, also known as Junior Bazooka, extended his unbeaten record to four fights, four knockouts, with a first-round demolition of Felix Mankatah.

Former WBO Africa junior middleweight champion Jacob Tetteh Laryea also impressed, dominating Victus Kemevor before the referee halted the bout midway through the third round. Stablemate Daniel “High Tension” Quaye returned to winning ways with a third-round stoppage of Nana Brenya Bee.

In another entertaining contest, Moro Fuseni outlasted Rocky Otoo in a fierce back-and-forth battle that ended with a third-round stoppage.