Olympic medallist Samuel Takyi targets world title after knockout win

Ghana's Olympic bronze medallist Samuel Takyi says he is ready to chase a world title after extending his unbeaten professional record with a second-round knockout victory over Botswana's Steven Bagwasi.

The Tokyo 2020 bronze medallist told this portal in an exclusive interview that he believes he has entered a new phase of his boxing career, with his focus now firmly on climbing the world rankings and becoming a world champion.

"There is time for everything, and God does His things in many different ways," Takyi said. "I am not late. I am coming to realise my dream of becoming a world champion."

The 24-year-old said winning an Olympic medal was only one milestone, with the next objective being to reach the summit of professional boxing.

"After the Olympic Games experience, the next level is the world title," he said. "I am training very hard to reach the top of my professional career."

Takyi underlined those ambitions on 19 September at Osagyefo Fight Night, where he stopped Bagwasi in the second round to improve his professional record to 9-0.

The boxer, who is known as "The Ring Warrior", credited his team for helping him maintain his perfect start in the paid ranks.

He reserved special praise for coach Dr Ofori Asare, thanking him for his support and technical guidance throughout his career.

Takyi also expressed gratitude to fans from Atukpai in Accra, telling them to remain optimistic because "the future is bright".

He also acknowledged the support of Sharaf Mahama and officials at Legacy Rise Sports Promotions, saying their encouragement had played an important role in his journey.

The Olympic medallist added that he still cherishes being named SWAG Sports Personality of the Year and hopes to match that honour by fulfilling his ambition of becoming a world champion in the near future.