Ghana's Shakul Samed demands rematch after controversial defeat in Tanzania

Ghanaian boxer Shakul Samed has called for a rematch after suffering a controversial points defeat to Tanzania's Richard Mtangi in their World Boxing Organisation (WBO) Africa middleweight title bout in Dar es Salaam.

The contest, held at the Super Dome Grounds in Masaki on July 30, saw Mtangi retain his continental title despite claims from the Ghanaian camp that Samed had done enough to secure victory.

Samed, who represented Ghana at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, expressed his frustration after the fight, insisting he could not understand or accept the judges' decision.

The Ghanaian maintained that he outperformed the local favourite throughout the contest and believes a rematch is the only fair outcome.

"I don't agree with the result, and I don't understand it. I want a rematch," Samed said after the bout.

His trainer, Elvis Robertson of the renowned Akotoku Academy, also voiced his disappointment with the verdict, stressing that the team had prepared thoroughly for the championship fight.

According to Robertson, winning the WBO Africa middleweight title would have been a significant achievement and a statement for Ghanaian boxing on the continental stage.

It was also a difficult night for another Ghanaian fighter, Samuel Martei Laryea, who lost on points to Tanzania's Ibrahim Mafia in the World Boxing Council (WBC) International super bantamweight title contest.

Laryea was guided by experienced coach George Smart Abbey of the Accra Boxing Club, based at Korle Gonno Beach.

Despite the setback, Abbey described the defeat as a valuable learning experience for his boxer and the team.

He expressed hope that Tanzanian fighters would in future compete in Ghana under similar conditions, suggesting the experience would provide a fair measure of both nations' boxing standards.

The results have sparked debate among sections of the Ghanaian boxing fraternity, with some fans questioning the officiating of the two title bouts.

Former world champion Joshua Clottey was among those who urged Ghanaian fighters to exercise caution when accepting bouts promoted in Tanzania, following the controversial outcomes involving Samed and Laryea.

The twin defeats have reignited discussions about judging standards in regional boxing competitions, with Samed's camp now hoping calls for a rematch will receive consideration from the relevant boxing authorities.