Rivals Jonathan “Worldwide” Tetteh and Seth Gyimah, better known as Freezy Macbones, reignited their simmering feud with explosive victories on Sunday night, setting the stage for a potential blockbuster rematch in Kumasi this August.
Fighting under the coastal lights at the Laboma Beach Resort at La, Accra, both men delivered emphatic statements in their first outings since their gripping clash for the WBA Africa light heavyweight title last December.
Tetteh, the more composed and methodical of the two, once again let his fists do the talking. He dominated seasoned campaigner Abdul Aziz Quartey before forcing a stoppage in the fifth round to successfully defend his national light heavyweight crown.
From the opening bell, Tetteh seized control, systematically breaking down Quartey, ironically nicknamed “Punisher”. The champion’s sharp combinations and relentless pressure left the veteran with no answers, drawing visible frustration from his corner led by experienced trainer Ofori Asare.
By the fifth round, the punishment had become one-sided. With his fighter taking sustained damage, Coach Asare stepped in to throw in the towel at 1:52, handing Tetteh a commanding stoppage victory and further cementing his authority in the division.
It was another clinical display from Tetteh, who won the national title with a seventh-round stoppage of the late Ernest “Bahubali” Akushey last May before defeating Macbones to claim continental honours.
After a cautious opening half-minute, Gyimah suddenly shifted gears, marching his opponent to the ropes and unleashing a ferocious barrage of body shots. Animashaun crumpled to the canvas under the assault and failed to recover, leaving referee May Mensah Akakpo to wave off the bout inside the first minute.
The emphatic knockout pushed Macbones’ record to 11 stoppages in 12 victories, underlining his reputation as one of the division’s most dangerous punchers. More important, it sent a clear message to Tetteh.
The twin victories appeared to align perfectly with plans for a rematch, with both fighters previously agreeing in principle to settle their rivalry in Kumasi in August. However, the narrative took a dramatic twist moments after the fights.
War of words
Speaking at ringside, Tetteh struck a cautious tone, insisting he would consult his team before committing to the bout, a stance that did not sit well with his rival.
Macbones wasted no time in turning up the heat. “Everybody knows, not just in Ghana but across Africa, that Freezy versus Worldwide is the biggest and most anticipated fight,” he said. “I don’t understand what he means by saying he will go and think about it.
“He was the one calling for the rematch everywhere… on social media, at the press conferences, even at the weigh-in. So what has changed? It’s clear he is afraid. If he’s not afraid, he should sign the contract. Let’s do it at Baba Yara Stadium in August.”
Beyond the headline acts, the “Resurrection Fight Night”, staged by RBS Promotions in partnership with Box Office Sports Promotions, delivered a stacked card that thrilled a large crowd.
Michael “Black Spider” Abban continued his push for international recognition with a fifth-round technical knockout of Benin’s Damien Zannou in a lively super flyweight contest.
National lightweight champion Joseph “Jaguar” Commey produced a dominant display to stop Bright Ayala in the eighth round, leaving his opponent bloodied and overwhelmed.
Former multiple titleholder Alfred “Showtime” Lamptey also impressed, outclassing former world title challenger Maxwell Awuku over eight rounds, winning every round on all three judges’ scorecards (80-72, 80-72, 80-72).
Source:
www.graphic.com.gh