GHANA, NIGERIA AND ZAMBIA LED AFRICAN BOXING DURING THE 50S, 60S, AND 70S.
The inaugural Nigerian world boxing champion was Hogan “Kid” Bassey, who secured the World Featherweight Championship in 1957 by defeating Cherif Hamia in Paris.
In Zambia, Patrick Mambwe from Kitwe emerged as the first professional boxer in the fly/super fly/bantam/super bantam/featherweight categories during the 1960s to 1970s, even prior to the renowned Lottie Mwale.
Ghanaian David “Poison” Kotey brought pride to his former Gold Coast by becoming the first boxer from Ghana to capture the world title between 1975 and 1976, while Prof Azumah Nelson further elevated the country’s status in boxing.
Collectively, these three nations brought immense honor to Africa, drawing global attention to the continent’s potential and inspiring other countries such as Kenya with Steven Muchoki, Uganda with Ayub Kalule, and Tanzania with Titus Simba…….!
These three countries propelled Africa to the pinnacle of boxing from the 50s through the 60s, 70s, and 80s, and continue to serve as a foundation for the burgeoning boxing scene in Africa.
As Ghana and Zambia prepare for significant events this June and beyond, boxing is receiving the recognition it deserves and is being celebrated.
The World Alliance Boxing Association (WABA) is proudly sanctioning its premier Championships in these two nations and looks forward to collaborating with many other countries eager to join in.
Be aware of “The Night of Long Knives” boxing extravaganza in Kitwe, Zambia, promoted by Lady Pauline Mwape, who has connected Africa and America in the exchange of boxing talents and skills through her Championship at the Nkana Stadium in Kitwe on June 28.
Anthony White Sugar Welsh will face off against John Lewis for the vacant WABA Supreme USA Lightweight Championship, while Nigerian Yusuf Adeniji will compete against American Efrain Esquivias for the vacant WABA Supreme Africa Middleweight Championship.
On July 15 in Ghana, the inaugural WABA Supreme Prof Azumah Nelson Champion Emeritus Championship will feature a match between Michael Poppoe and Ezekiel Annan, while Savoy Gad will face Eliasu Sulley for the vacant WABA Supreme Global Super Middleweight Championship.
Abubak Mubarak, known as Ghana’s Baddest Man, is set to compete for the vacant WABA Supreme World Super Middleweight Championship against an opponent who will be announced shortly.
The tournament, which will be held at the Aborigine Beach Resort Club in KETA town, is organized by Mitch Gilbert Woollams, a prominent promoter in Ghana and the owner of Aborigine Boxing Promotion.
As we honor Ghana, Zambia, Nigeria, and numerous other nations, we extend our gratitude to the boxers, national sanctioning bodies particularly ZPBWCB and GBA, ring officials, and all stakeholders who contribute to the growth and strength of the sport of boxing across the continent.