Ghana’s highly regarded boxer John Laryea is poised to face Argentinian contender Adrian Robledo on August 15, 2026, in a decisive eliminator for a world title.
In a surprising twist, former Ghanaian boxing legend Joshua Clottey has raised concerns about Laryea’s readiness and credentials, suggesting he might be “smuggled through the back door.”
Passing through the back door argument
Joshua Clottey has expressed concerns regarding John Laryea’s readiness for the ring, suggesting that Laryea is passing through the “back door” and isn’t sufficiently prepared due to a lack of experience.
However, let’s take a closer look at Laryea’s remarkable journey.
Since embarking on his professional career in October 2018, the boxer has maintained an impressive undefeated record of 18 international fights. Currently a two-time WBO Africa Featherweight Champion with a record of 17 wins and 1 draw, including 13 knockouts, Laryea has made quite a name for himself.
Known as the expensive boxer, he currently holds the number one ranking in Ghana and stands at 28th in the world. Laryea is often regarded as one of Ghana’s most seasoned fighters, notably securing a victory in the United States against Alexander Mejia, whom he knocked down in the first round and ultimately defeated convincingly.
His recent victories against notable opponents such as Holy Dorgbetor and Lazarus Namalambo further affirm his status among the elite in not just Ghana and Africa, but on the global boxing stage as well.
When is a boxer ready for a bigger fight?
Machiavelli once suggested that “readiness can be a trap,” raising the question of when a boxer is truly prepared to take calculated risks. A perfect illustration is Joshua Clottey’s own remarkable journey to becoming a world champion after his bout with Zab Judah. An accidental head clash led to the fight being halted, prompting a review of the scoreboard to determine the winner. Before the match, Clottey was seen as the underdog, but with hard work, determination, and a bit of luck, he surprised everyone and clinched the championship title.
This narrative is echoed in the stories of Ghana’s boxing legends, including Azumah Nelson. Though he faced defeat in his first title attempt, Nelson demonstrated his resilience and left no doubt about his potential as a champion. His perseverance ultimately paved the way for him to claim the world title, proving that taking risks can lead to extraordinary success.
Managers and Handlers of John Laryea
John Laryea is in the capable hands of a talented management team that includes Baby Jet Promotions, led by Samuel Anim Addo, Bronx Boxing Promotions under the experienced Carl Lokko, and Peter Kahn of Fight Game Advisors, an internationally recognized manager.
This dynamic team has brought Laryea to the United States for training camps on two occasions, allowing him to hone his skills under some of the most seasoned coaches in the sport. Peter Kahn has an impressive portfolio, having guided numerous elite boxers, including world champions. While casual boxing fans might not be familiar with his name, insiders certainly recognize him as a key figure in many significant deals and fights over the past two decades.
Samuel Anim Addo, known for managing Ghana football legend Asamoah Gyan, has taken the reins at Baby Jet Promotions, elevating Ghanaian boxing management and organization to new heights. He successfully promoted Emmanuel Tagoe, turning him into a household name not just in Ghana but across Africa and the world, even leading him to capture the WBO world championship.
Carl Lokko brings a wealth of experience to the team, having trained some of Ghana’s finest boxers. He notably coached Richard Commey to a world title fight, showcasing his expertise in the ring.
With such a remarkable team combining boxing intelligence, managerial skills, and extensive connections, John Laryea is well-positioned for success in his boxing career.
John Laryea is currently engaged in sparring sessions with notable fighters such as Emmanuel Tagoe, Daniel Selasi Gorsh, and Alfred Lamptey.
This article marks the beginning of a series, with a second part forthcoming. In that installment, we will examine and compare the two boxers regarding their rankings, pedigree, and boxing acumen, as well as the dynamics of the A-side. Additionally, we will include insights from an exclusive interview with Laryea’s management. Stay tuned for more updates.