Black Bombers target 2028 Olympics with Detroit clash

The Ghana Boxing Federation (GBF) has outlined its plans to strengthen the Black Bombers as the national men's boxing team begins preparations for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

The federation held a press conference on Friday, 2 October, to brief the media on its programme for the Black Bombers and the team's long-term preparations for the Olympic Games.

As part of the preparations, Ghana will host the Golden Gloves team from Detroit, United States, in an international friendly boxing competition dubbed “Fist of Fury” at the Bukom Boxing Arena on Saturday, 10 October 2026.

GBF vice-president Nii Gonti Adjor, also known as Nii Adama Addy, said the federation is targeting qualification for the 2028 Olympics with at least four boxers.

He explained that the upcoming competition would provide an opportunity for boxers across 10 weight categories to gain valuable international experience as the federation works towards its Olympic objectives.

Nii Gonti also disclosed that fans will be required to pay a token fee to watch the event, with the initiative expected to help generate support for boxing and showcase the next generation of Ghanaian talent.

GBF treasurer Mustapha Nettey appealed to corporate Ghana to support the Black Bombers' Olympic ambitions.

He said stronger partnerships with the private sector would help create the necessary environment for the development of boxing while also promoting Ghana's sports, culture and tourism.

The press conference was chaired by International Technical Official (ITO) George Lamptey, a former GBF president and current board member of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC).

Lamptey said the Black Bombers squad had been strengthened by the return of experienced fighters, including 2022 Commonwealth Games silver medallist Joseph Commey, popularly known as “Jaguar”, and Henry Malm, nicknamed “Assassin Jr”.

Several members of the squad, including Ebenezer Ankrah, Amadu Mohammed and Mathias Ashitey, were present at the event and expressed their determination to perform strongly for Ghana.

The federation also introduced members of the new technical leadership of the Black Bombers as part of efforts to improve the team's preparations and performance.

Head coach Vincent Akai Nettey said he was confident the team could make significant progress, with the immediate objective being to perform strongly at the 2026 African Boxing Championship in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo.

The GBF believes the international exposure from events such as the “Fist of Fury” will play an important role in building a competitive Black Bombers team capable of challenging for Olympic qualification and medals in Los Angeles.