Stephen “Dominant” Coffie trains alone in the ring at Bronx Boxing Gym in the Bukom district of Accra, Ghana. He continues his training regiment even without knowing when his next match will be. Boxers like Coffie rely on local promoters and matchmakers to setup matches and fill the financial gap left by suspended sanctioned professional matches. (Photo by Kalani Chai-Andrade/Joy Sports)
Bukom, a coastal fishing community in Ghana’s capital, Accra, has long been regarded as the nation’s boxing mecca. The district has produced eight of Ghana’s 11 world boxing champions, cementing its place in the country’s sporting history.
In March 2025, professional boxing in Ghana was suspended following the tragic death of Nigerian boxer Gabriel Aluwasegun Olanrewaju during a bout in Accra.
The incident compelled the Ghana Boxing Authority to reassess its safety protocols and review its alignment with international standards.
The suspension has left many boxers without a platform to compete, earn income, and advance their careers.
Photographed between July and August — nearly five months after the halt of sanctioned bouts — this photo essay explores the resilient boxing community of Bukom and the fighters still waiting for the bell to ring again.
See photos by Joy Sports’ Kalani Chai-Andrade.
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DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Source: www.myjoyonline.com
