Ghana's Black Bombers bolster squad for Detroit Golden Gloves clash
Ghana's national boxing team, the Black Bombers, have added several experienced fighters to their squad ahead of their international clash with the Detroit Golden Gloves team on Saturday, 10 October.
The bout will take place at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra, with the experienced boxers expected to provide leadership and inspiration for the younger members of the team.
Commonwealth Games silver medallist Joseph Commey, known as "Jaguar", and Henry Malm, nicknamed "Assassin Jnr", said they were ready to raise their performances as they return to action for Ghana.
"It's a call-up to duty to serve the nation and we are ready. When the coach asked me, I told him I was prepared," Commey said.
The 63.5kg bout between Commey and Christian Quaye is expected to be one of the highlights of the evening.
Malm, who represented Ghana in the Olympic qualification tournaments in Paris 2024, including events in Thailand and Italy, will face Desmond Harris in the 80kg division.
"I am hungry for success and I will beat my opponent to better my record," Malm said.
SWAG award winner Mathias Ashitey will open the programme against Jayden Youser in the 55kg division, while Ebenezer Ankrah takes on Christian Geck at 65kg.
Emmanuel Amui will face Glanni Figueroa at 70kg, with Solomon Sackey meeting Mustapha Alfatoulsi at 75kg.
Benjamin Bulley will fight Lamar Stewart in an 80kg contest, while Amadu Mohammed, a bronze medallist at the 2026 Commonwealth Games and a SWAG award winner, faces Tyler Luce at 60kg.
Francis Quartey will take on Payden Jones at 65kg before Jibril Muntari faces Darius Parlour in a heavyweight contest expected to provide an exciting finale.
The Black Bombers are now being guided by coaches Vincent Akai Nettey and Charles Quartey, assisted by Elvis Robertson, Ben Tetteh and Latequaye Lartey.
Ghana Boxing Federation (GBF) vice-president Nii Gonti Adjor I has assured boxing fans of an entertaining night and called for greater support from sponsors for the national team.
Former GBF president George Lamptey, who now serves as an International Technical Official, said the contest against Detroit Golden Gloves would provide useful preparation for Ghana's participation in the African Boxing Championship in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo.
However, concerns remain about the federation's ability to finance its activities.
Some members of the Ghanaian boxing media have raised concerns about unpaid fees for journalists covering GBF events, while questions have also been raised about the organisation of the federation following the departure of its president to the United States for private business.
The president, however, met Ghanaian-American boxing coach Joseph Awinongya during his stay in the US, where they discussed possible cultural and sporting exchange programmes between Ghana and the United States.
The Black Bombers will hope their experienced fighters can lead the team to victory against Detroit Golden Gloves and build momentum ahead of the African Boxing Championship.