Morning After: Richard KOs Azeez in round 12, Full Recap
Ghana was the place to be, as the Legon Sports Stadium hosted a boxing event that brought together 18,000 boxing fans and attracted worldwide attention.
The event was organized through a collaboration between Sharaf Mahama’s Legacy Rise Sports Promotions, Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing, and 258 Boxing.
The night’s lineup was filled with exciting matchups and also featured seven championship fights.
Richards def. Azeez (KO, R12)
Craig Richards secured victory in the main event by delivering a devastating left hook to ‘Super’ Dan Azeez’s chin in the 12th round, to claim the IBF International Light Heavyweight title.
Azeez began the fight well, connecting with crosses and overhands. During the final rounds, Richards corrected his mistakes and began to land power punches, eventually achieving a knockout.
Laryea def. Dorgbetor (TKO DS, R7)
In a rather uneventful end to the fight, John Laryea was declared the winner via doctor’s stoppage in round 7. Both fighters experienced periods of success, as Dorgbetor scored four knockdowns against Laryea, and Laryea was also successful in securing a knockdown.
As a result of the injury sustained by Dorgbetor, the doctor called an end to the fight in the seventh round.
Tetteh def. Gyimah (UD)
In the “people’s main event”, Jonathan “Worldwide” Tetteh was victorious against Seth “Freezy Macbones” Gyimah after the judges unanimously decided in his favor.
Tetteh implemented a touch and move strategy, which was an interesting game plan that few people would have expected. He also issued clinches whenever he felt he was in danger. Despite his attempts, Macbones could not deliver his knockout punch, even urging his competitor to increase the intensity of the match.
Due to an apparent bite on Tetteh in the eight round, Macbones had a point deducted. Tetteh won the WBA Africa Light Heavyweight title with this win. The judges scored 80-73, 78-74, 77-75.
Allotey def. Raquinel (UD)
Theophilus Allotey of Ghana defeated top-ranked Jayr Rquinel in a 12-round fight, winning the WBO Global Super flyweight title. Allotey’s counters were well-timed, and he dominated, even when starting his attacks. Despite a strong showing, Raquinel couldn’t overcome Allotey’s speed and timing.
Following this victory, Allotey’s WBO ranking will improve, paving the way for more significant fights in the division where he aspires to be champion. The judges’ scores were 119-109, 118-111, and 116-112.
Diallo def. Segbedzi (UD)
Ibrahima “The Diamond” Diallo’s ring entrance was marked by a theatric walkout featuring Salif Keita’s “Tomorrow” and his self-voiced motivational messages.
Diallo defeated Sampson ‘Mama’s Boy’ Segbedzi by unanimous decision after ten rounds, earning the IBF International Super welterweight title. Although Segbedzi’s timing seemed to improve in the later rounds, he could not land a knockout blow against Diallo because of his defense and clinch work.
This was the first defeat in Segbedzi’s professional career. The judges scored the fight 99-90, 99-90, 98-91.
Atang def. Yusuf (KO, R1)
Leo Atang’s victory over Babu Yusuf, which ended in a first-round knockout, was the shortest contest on the card. Atang began the round aggressively, yet with caution, and within a short time, he had Yusuf cornered.
Atang then proceeded to unload a flurry of shots on his opponent, and after a few unanswered shots, the referee stepped in to stop the fight. Babu Yusuf appeared displeased with the stoppage, but he’ll be back to fight another day.
Dev def. Mbukwa (TKO, R4)
Nishant Dev, India’s 2024 Olympian, defeated Ally Mbukwa in the fourth round by TKO. Dev had a height and reach advantage and used it to his benefit by exploiting uppercuts and close-range shots.
Mbukwa’s approach was defensive, maintaining a tight guard while trying to land overhand punches.
After enduring Dev’s punishment for four rounds, he could not answer the bell for the fifth.
Lartey def. Brandon (UD)
After eight rounds, the judges declared Jerry Lartey the victor with scores of 78-74, 78-74, and 77-75, resulting in Jessie Brandon’s first pro loss. Lartey won by decision after a close fight with Brandon, who had him struggling at times in the bout.
Ama def. Nwaturuocha (MD)
In the first bout, Sedem Ama defeated Nigeria’s Chiamaka Nwaturuocha by majority decision, winning the WBO Super welterweight title after a dominant performance.
Nwaturuocha began strongly but appeared to tire, while Ama patiently dismantled her opponent.