Sharaf Mahama has thrown his full weight behind Ghana’s fast-rising boxing prodigy, Theophilus Kpakpo Allotey, as the 23-year-old targets a fifth title in under two years when he headlines tonight’s Legacy Rise Sports Promotions (LRS) bill at the Bukom Boxing Arena.
Allotey faces Namibia’s Erastus Jonas for the vacant World Boxing Association (WBA) Gold super-flyweight title in what promises to be a defining moment in his rapid ascent. Victory would further cement a remarkable run since his professional debut in July 2024, already decorated with national, UBO Africa and WBO Global honours.
At yesterday’s weigh-in, Allotey tipped the scales at 114.4lbs, marginally heavier than Jonas (114lbs), underlining the fine margins expected in a high-stakes contest.
The Ghanaian’s momentum has been relentless. He stunned domestic rival Daniel Selassie Gorsh to claim the WBO Africa super-bantamweight title during LRS’s high-profile collaboration with international promoters—including Amir Khan’s AK Promotions—an event graced by global heavyweight star Anthony Joshua. He followed that with an impressive victory over the Philippines’ Jayr Raquinel to secure the WBO Global belt at December’s “The Showdown” in Legon.
Now, with another major strap within reach, Mahama believes Allotey is on the cusp of global recognition.
“Theophilus is aiming to break into the top 10 of the world rankings and, in one or two fights, he can be challenging for a world title,” Mahama told the Daily Graphic.
“I urge all Ghanaians to rally behind him and also support Legacy Rise as we create opportunities for young athletes, especially by bringing international opponents to our shores.”
Beyond the headline bout, the historic Ghana-Nigeria rivalry will be reignited in a potentially explosive WBA Africa cruiserweight clash, with home favourite Ahmed Abdula taking on Nigeria’s Obaro Eradajaye. Abdula weighed in at 197.4lbs, slightly heavier than his opponent (195.6lbs).
In the women’s division, British-based Ghanaian Sedem Ama (152.5lbs) defends her WBA Africa super-welterweight crown against unbeaten Cape Verdean Ivanusa Moreira (153.9lbs), while Army officer Jerry Lartey—fresh from his WBA Africa super-lightweight triumph—makes his first defence against former national and WBO Africa champion Sheriff “One Time” Quaye.
The undercard is stacked with compelling match-ups, including IBF Continental Africa champion John Abaja Laryea against Namibia’s Lazarus Namalambo, Dutchman Jursly Vargas versus Ghana Police officer Isaac “Zongo Fire” Dowuona, and Belgium-born Guinean Ibrahima Diallo facing Ghana’s Godson Amuzu.
Mahama has promised another spectacle, insisting LRS events are fast becoming the gold standard for elite boxing entertainment in Ghana.
“With Legacy Rise, our ringside is always filled with prominent personalities, and putting together quality fights like this builds belief in what we are doing,” he said.
“Come Friday, we must all be at Bukom to witness another historic night. Don’t miss it—there will be beautiful performances and top-class fights.”
Source:
www.graphic.com.gh