Ghana boxer Robert Amartey Tagoe loses Youth Olympic Games quarter-final

Ghanaian boxer Robert Amartey Tagoe has been eliminated from the men's 70kg boxing competition at the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar after losing 4-1 on points to the United Arab Emirates' Moaz Wael.

Tagoe, Ghana's sole boxing representative at the Games, suffered defeat in a closely contested quarter-final bout in which he secured one judge's scorecard but also had a point deducted.

The victory sends Wael into the semi-finals and guarantees him at least a bronze medal.

Despite the disappointment, Tagoe, popularly known as Hitter Jnr, remains optimistic about his future and has vowed to return stronger.

The young boxer, who draws inspiration from former Ghanaian world champion Joshua Clottey, believes the defeat is part of his development and is determined to establish himself among the country's leading boxers.

"I will come back better. My opponent is good, but I am better. Today was his day because the judges gave it to him. The next tournament will be mine," Tagoe said.

He is now targeting a place in the Black Bombers, Ghana's senior national boxing team, as he looks to continue his development and pursue his Olympic ambitions.

Tagoe was guided in Dakar by coach Yaro, popularly known as Joe Martey, who believes the young boxer's future remains bright despite the quarter-final exit.

Ghana Boxing Federation second vice-president Solomon Otoo Lartey, who travelled to Dakar to support and motivate the boxer, also praised his performance, describing him as a promising prospect.

Otoo Lartey used the opportunity to call on the government to increase investment in sports, particularly boxing, to help develop young talents and strengthen Ghana's competitiveness on the international stage.

Ghana's campaign at the 2026 Youth Olympic Games has so far yielded no medals, with none of the country's 13 athletes securing a podium finish.

The Dakar Games are historic, marking the first time an Olympic event has been staged on African soil, with more than 200 countries participating.