Three Ghanaian boxers face crucial foreign tests in high-stakes bouts
Three Ghanaian professional boxers will face major tests on Saturday, August 15, 2026, as they take on foreign opponents on international boxing cards in the United States and Argentina.
With Ghana in the Homowo festive season, Emmanuel “Gameboy” Tagoe, John “Expensive Boxer” Laryea and Mohammed Aryeetey will be hoping to deliver victories and give Ghanaian boxing fans another reason to celebrate.
Tagoe faces unbeaten American knockout artist
Former world title challenger Emmanuel “Gameboy” Tagoe will return to the ring in a difficult assignment against unbeaten American puncher Ernesto “Tito” Mercado at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta.
Tagoe, who boasts a professional record of 34 wins, two defeats and 16 knockouts, will challenge Mercado (19-0, 18 KOs) for the WBO International Super Lightweight title.
The bout is scheduled to serve as the co-main event of the evening, with the card headlined by Claressa Shields’ clash with Kaye Scott. The event will be streamed live on DAZN.
Mercado enters the contest as one of the rising names in American boxing and has built an impressive reputation with his knockout power. The undefeated fighter recently signed a long-term deal with Salita Promotions and Wynn Records.
Tagoe, meanwhile, brings significant experience into the contest. His last major high-profile appearance came in April 2022 when he suffered a unanimous decision defeat to American star Ryan Garcia.
Since then, the Ghanaian has fought only twice, recording victories over Yusuf Ayinde Ogunbunmi and Modibo Keita in 2024 and 2025.
At 34-2, Tagoe will rely heavily on his experience as he seeks to halt Mercado’s unbeaten run and claim another significant title on American soil.
Laryea targets WBA world title opportunity
In Buenos Aires, Argentina, John “Expensive Boxer” Laryea will put his unbeaten record on the line against home favourite Adrian Maximiliano Robledo in a WBA title eliminator.
Laryea, who has a perfect record of 17-0 with 13 knockouts, will face Robledo, who comes into the contest with a 13-1 record, including six knockouts.
The fight will headline the “KO a Los Drogas” card at Casino Buenos Aires, with a place in contention for the WBA world title at stake.
The Ghanaian has established himself as one of the country's promising fighters, having won the WBO Africa Featherweight Championship twice before adding the IBF Africa title to his collection.
Victory over Robledo would represent another major step in Laryea’s career and move him closer to his ultimate ambition of challenging for the WBA World Championship.
Laryea has prepared for the crucial bout under Lawrence Carl Lokko at Bronx Boxing Gym in Jamestown, Accra, while also undergoing additional preparations in the United States with renowned trainer Robert Garcia.
Backed by Baby Jet Promotions and Bronx Promotions, the undefeated Ghanaian heads into the contest with considerable confidence but knows he must produce his best performance against a dangerous Argentine opponent fighting in front of his home crowd.
Aryeetey also in action in Maryland
Another Ghanaian, Mohammed Aryeetey, will also be in action in the United States when he takes on Johnny Peredes in Waldorf, Maryland.
The bout forms part of the Boxing Pro-Series presented by Davis Boxing Promotions at the Capital Clubhouse on Saturday night.
Aryeetey will be looking to make the most of the opportunity as he continues his professional career on an international stage.
With three Ghanaian fighters competing abroad on the same night, Saturday promises to be an important evening for Ghanaian boxing.
Tagoe faces an unbeaten knockout specialist in Atlanta, Laryea battles an Argentine home favourite in a WBA eliminator in Buenos Aires, while Aryeetey seeks victory in Maryland.