Sports
Baubali, new face of pro boxing in Ghana
THE names of Braimah ‘Bukom Banku’ Kamoko and Ayitey Powers are considered legends of professional boxing in Ghana not just because of the laurels they won.
These were boxers that started their careers from the middle weights and ended as light heavyweights and would go down in history as fighters that spiced the sport with entertainment.
In their absence, a new kid “Ernest Akushey” has emerged, cracking the ribs of fans with his showboating before and after fights.
Significantly, Banku and Powers failed to reach the heights of other legends like Azumah Nelson, Ike Quartey, Joshua Clottey, Nana Yaw Konadu, Agbeko and others that jumped to stardom by winning world titles.
But Bukom Banku and Powers have a huge attraction and are even more popular than some of the world title winners, thanks to the entertainment and satirical moments they created around the sport.
Of the two, Powers has a poor fight record, losing more fights than what he won.
Bukom Banku became the WBO Africa light heavyweight champion for some time when he was signed by the Goldenmike Boxing Promotion.
The exit of the world champions created doubts in the minds of boxing lovers as to what the future holds but likes of Richard Commey and Isaac Dogboe emerged with successful world title bids.
Sadly, their reins didn’t last.
But the voids between those periods were always filled by these two boxing icons who always get the arena filled to capacity.
Be it individual clashes or the case of them facing each other, one thing would be guaranteed, that’s the arena would be filled to the brim.
What they lacked in laurels, they complement with the humorous events and activities before, during and after their fights. Their rendition of the English language would always attract the media for interviews.
Both are also musicians and always dazzle fans as special guests on the entertainment package that comes with the promotions.
A fight between Bukom Banku and Powers staged by Box Office Sports (BOS) grinded to a halt every activity in the capital. On both television and radio, issues about the fight dominated discussion programmes and on the fight night, fans filled the arena as early as 7pm. That is the kind of appeal they have on Ghana boxing.
In their retirement, they have tried to stay relevant, continuing with their episodes as Banku threatened to fight his own sons in the ring.
But while the Banku-Powers fever is die-down, Akushey appears to be in a position to sustain the comic moments, making the sport enjoy unprecedented trends in every corner.
The mention of his nickname Baubali will get the whole arena roar and get everyone fired up for an explosive evening.
In his last fight on Saturday against Jonathan Tetteh in a light heavyweight championship, he was kayoed on two occasions before ending it all in the seventh round.
In his post-fight comments, Baubali humbly admitted to losing to a better fighter but vowed to comeback for the title.
That comment attracted a huge applause from the fans who had followed him in both traditional and social media platforms.
Baubali videos have gone viral, showing fans which of his punches is capable of sending an opponent to the mortuary and which one could send one to Awudome (local cemetery in Accra).
He has other punches that makes an opponent sad and one that makes him laugh. These are what he brings to the table for Ghana boxing and he has been accepted.
By Andrew Nortey
The stage is set for what promises to be one of the most thrilling matches in Group L at the 2026 FIFA World Cup as the Black Stars of Ghana lock horns with Croatia in a crucial encounter today.
With a place in the Round of 32 hanging in the balance, both teams know there will be no room for mistakes as 90 minutes of high drama awaits football fans, especially in Ghana and across the globe.
The Black Stars arrive at the Mundial with confidence running through the camp after earning four points from their opening two matches.
A last gasp victory over Panama and a disciplined draw against the Three Lions of England have placed the Black Stars in a strong position heading into the final group game.
Croatia, however, stand in the way after the European giants bounced back from a disappointing defeat to England by edging Panama 1-0, a result that has now placed their sights firmly on qualification.
The result has created a winner takes all atmosphere that is expected to produce fireworks from the first whistle to the last.
For Ghana, the mission is clear, as another positive result will bring the Black Stars closer to the knockout stage and could mark another memorable chapter in the country’s rich football history at the World Cup.
The Black Stars have shown courage, discipline and determination throughout the tournament.
They have defended bravely, battled fiercely and refused to be intimidated by bigger opponents.
Their impressive defensive record has become one of the talking points of the competition among many football fans after their last game against England where some fans and pundits described the performance as frustrating and called the approach as a ‘Haram football.’
After two matches, Ghana remain one of the few teams yet to concede a goal; shot stopper, Benjamin Asare, has been the best so far by keeping Ghana’s post safe.
Asare, along with his backline will face its toughest challenge yet against a Croatian side packed with quality and experience.
At the heart of Croatia’s challenge is veteran midfield maestro, Luka Modric.
Even at 40 years old, the Croatian captain continues to pull the strings with remarkable composure and intelligence.
His battle against Ghana’s midfield of Thomas Partey, youngster Caleb Yirenkyi and Kwasi Sibo could shape the outcome of the contest.
Thomas Partey and his cohorts will carry the responsibility of controlling the midfield battle and breaking up Croatia’s attacks.
In attack, the pace and power of Manchester City’s Antoine Semenyo, Inaki Williams, Kamaldeen Sulemana, Ernest Nuamah and Fatawu Issahaku will prove decisive when given the nod.
Their ability to burst past defenders and create danger on the counter-attack may become one of Ghana’s biggest weapons.
Captain Jordan Ayew is expected to provide leadership and experience in what promises to be a tense and emotional contest.
The tactical battle between the two coaches is equally fascinating.
Ghana coach, Carlos Queiroz, has built a disciplined side that values organisation and teamwork.
His approach has frustrated opponents to earn valuable results.
Croatia coach, Zlatko Dalic, on the other hand, prefers possession based football and attacking movement.
His team will likely dominate the ball and attempt to dictate the tempo from midfield.
The clash of styles promises an exciting contest between patience and aggression, defence and attack, youth and experience.
History suggests Croatia have the advantage over the Black Stars with the Europeans finishing as runners-up at the 2018 World Cup and claimed third place in 2022.
They know what it takes to survive on football’s biggest stage yet Ghana have built a reputation for upsetting the odds when the stakes are highest.
The memories of the Black Stars’ historic run to the quarter-finals in South Africa in 2010 continue to inspire a new generation of players.
By Enoch Ntiamoah Siaw
The confidence gained from holding England to a draw could also prove priceless.
Many football fans now believe the Black Stars are capable of going even further in this tournament.
Today’s clash is expected to attract millions of viewers eager to witness a battle between African adventure and determination and European experience.
Every tackle, every pass and every chance could prove decisive.
The atmosphere inside the stadium is expected to be electric as supporters from both nations create a colourful and passionate spectacle.
The high tension, the enormous stakes and the intense pressure. But these are the moments footballers dream about.
For Ghana, this is more than just a football match.
It is an opportunity to announce themselves as serious contenders and keep the nation’s World Cup dream alive.
When the referee blows the whistle today, fans should prepare for a night of drama, excitement and unforgettable moments.
If the opening two matches are anything to go by, this encounter has all the ingredients of a World Cup classic.
Black Stars captain Jordan Ayew says Ghana will leave nothing on the pitch when they face England in today’s World Cup Group L decider at Gillette Stadium.
With both teams on 3 points, Ayew said his job is to ease pressure on the younger players and hold everyone accountable, himself included.
“I’m doing my best to guide the boys, make them comfortable, take pressure off them, and help us perform,” Ayew told reporters. “I have to perform too. They have to perform too. It’s teamwork. We’re helping each other.”
Ghana come into the Foxborough clash after a 1-0 win over Panama in Toronto. England beat Croatia 4-2 in their opener.
The captain’s message was simple, “We’re going to give our 100% and we’re going to fight. I’ll make sure when we come off that pitch, we have no regrets.”
The winner takes control of Group L. Kickoff is 4:00 PM ET at Gillette Stadium.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
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