Kevin Iole Senior boxing/MMA columnist

The lightweight division is one of boxing's deepest and most exciting weight classes. Devin Haney won the undisputed championship by defeating George Kambosos Jr. on the road in Australia, but his title defense Saturday at the MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas against former pound-for-pound No. 1 Vasiliy Lomachenko will be the first true test of his career.

Haney is 29-0 with 15 knockouts, but has yet to face anyone nearly as talented, as experienced and simply as good as Lomachenko.

Oddsmakers instilled Haney as a little better than a 2-to-1 favorite when the fight was originally announced, and it hasn't changed much since. Haney is at -260 while Lomachenko will double your money wagered on him if he wins, at +200.

The over-under is 10.5 rounds, with over a massive favorite at -600. Under is +370.

In their 46 combined fights, they have a total of 26 knockouts, with Lomachenko at 17-2 with 11 finishes. And their styles dictate that this will be a long fight. It's shaping up as a thinking man's fight and probably one that goes the distance. I'm not laying 6-1, though, especially since Lomachenko has shown some signs of slowing down.

As Haney noted — correctly — Lomachenko's so-so performance in a win over Jamaine Ortiz in October has to be taken with a grain of salt because Lomachenko was fighting for his country before the bout was made. He got permission from the Ukraine government to box and so his performance may not have been indicative of the fighter he still is.

Lomachenko is 35, though, and that's a dangerous age for a fighter who relies on his reflexes so much. Even though he's had only 19 pro fights, he's had about 397 amateur bouts (winning 396!) and so he has a lot more wear and tear on his body than one might think.

Lomachenko has been a wizard throughout his career, though, and he's a surefire Hall of Famer when he retires. But he'll also be giving up size to Haney, who dwarfed him when they met in the ring at Madison Square Garden in New York after Lomachenko had slipped past Ortiz. Haney's an inch taller but has a six-inch reach advantage.

Haney's extraordinarily quick and has a good jab, but Lomachenko knows how to negate the jab. For Haney, he'll need to double the jab, preferably going up and down with it, and throw some lead right hands at Lomachenko's body. If he works the body effectively, he can slow Lomachenko down and make him an easier target to find.

Haney should use his size when possible, making the smaller man carry his weight and force referee Harvey Dock to break them.

Lomachenko's going to need to create angles and alter the rhythm of the fight. When Haney wants to go and trade, Lomachenko should look to stall the pace, and push it when Haney seems to want a breather.

This is a distance fight to me and I'm going to go with the guy with not only the younger, fresher legs but also the faster hands. Haney was extraordinarily focused in his rematch with Kambosos, knowing that Kambosos' only shot to win was to land something big and hurt him. Lomachenko is light years better than Kambosos, but Haney still needs to be vigilant and avoid being caught by a punch he doesn't see.

I like Haney to win and I strongly believe it will go the distance. But I won't lay -600 to bet that, so my only play will be on Haney to win at -260.

Other boxing bets for Saturday, May 20

I'll lay -175 and bet Katie Taylor to defeat Chantelle Cameron.

I'll lay -230 on Ray Muratalla to defeat Jeremiah Nakathila.

AFP

Newly crowned World Boxing Organisation WBO Africa Featherweight Champion, John Laryea aka the Expensive Boxer and his manager Mr. Sammy Anim Addo as well as coach Carl Lokko of the Bronx Gym have paid a courtesy call on the WBO Africa Representative, Mr. Samir Captan at his office.

According to Mr. Anim Addo, the purpose of the visit was to thank Mr. Captan for the opportunity and leadership role he played for Laryea to grab the chance to become a two time champion of Africa.

He said Laryea is looking forward to be ranked among the top 15 in the world, and he is ever prepared to face any contender in the top ten.

Laryea has an undefeated record of 12 victories, and his las fight was on April 30 a day yo his birthday on May 1 which he won in grand style against Solomon Martey at the Idrowhyt Events Center in Accra.

Meanwhile, Coach Carl Lokko has described Laryea as a very serious boxer who can make a hit in the shortest possible time.

“With his current form, if he continues to be discipline, he will become a world champion, I believe he can surprise everyone in Ghana to become a world champion” he stressed.

In another development, the Ghana Boxing Supporters Union (GHABSU) led by Samuel Gyan have congratulated John Laryea for winning the WBO African title.

Laryea is sponsored by the Asamoah Gyan Foundation, Baby Jet Promotions and its allied partners. He trains at the Bronx Gym at James Town, Accra under the experienced and classic Carl Lokko.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Accra Inter-City Homowo Marathon registration short code to be launched on May 23

Organisers of the annual Accra Inter-City Homowo Marathon will on Tuesday, May 23, launch a special Short Code for participants to register for the race.

The short code is to afford athletes and participants a convenient and efficient platform to register as well as receive instant feedback after registration.

A statement from the organizers said, the event would be held at the newly constructed Zimansky Hotel, Roman Ridge, Accra at 11am.

Unlike the previous year, participants would register through a special short code developed by TXT Ghana, one of the partners of the event.

The user-friendly short code also gives opportunity to participants to select their race and make appropriate payment after registration.

In attendance would be official of Medivents Consult, Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), Ghana Athletics, Ghana Traditional Council, sponsors, and the media.

The Accra Inter-City Homowo Marathon is fixed for Saturday, July 29, 2023, from the Accra Sports Stadium to Mantse Agbona, James Town.

Over 1000 participants are expected to compete for honours in 21-Kilometers, 10-Kilometers and 5-Kilometers.

There would be other races such as wheelchair, deaf race and skating.

The race is headlined by Serene Insurance Ghana Limited, with HD Plus, Allied Consortiums, Parin Africa, mybet.Africa.com, Aqua Blue Mineral Water, RekFoli Herbals, G4S and Zimansky Hotel as sponsors.

Global Media Alliance, www.sportsnetghana.con, the Inquisitor are the media partners.

The Accra Inter-City Homowo Marathon is part of activities making the annual Homowo festival and the 125th Anniversary of the AMA.

Source Willie Ezah

Communications Director of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Henry Asante Twum has hinted that Kudus Mohammed, Joseph Paintsil and Kamaldeen Sulemana are all set for Black Meteors call-up for the upcoming CAF U-23 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) scheduled to be hosted in Morocco later next month.

Ghana have been housed in Group B alongside host country, Morocco, Guinea and Congo.

And according to Asante Twum, the above-mentioned players are eligible to represent Ghana at the tournament but added that the technical handlers of the team are yet to make a final decision.

“The two coaches will decide on it. Ibrahim Tanko will need to tell us his plans and which players he intends to take for the U23 tournament from the Black Stars”, he told Kumasi-based Akoma FM.

“Once the players are made known to the FA, we will continue the conversation with Chris Hughton for his approval. If you will remember during Ghana v Algeria some players such as Issahaku and Ernest Nuamah who were eligible for U23 were permitted to play.

“Kudus Mohammed, Kamaldeen, and Joseph Paintsil among others are all qualified players who can play for the U23 in Morocco, should the request come and Chris Houghton gives the permission, they will all be eligible to feature for the Meteors," he added.

The tournament starts in June with the best three teams making it to the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France.

Ghana have failed to qualify for the Olympic Games since their last time in 2004 in Athens in Greece and are desperate to make an appearance for the first time at the event.

FootballGhana

Cape Coast is hosting the Baseball5 Youth African Championship. The week-long event is a qualification tournament for the first-ever WBSC Youth Baseball5 World Cup.

President of World Baseball and Softball Confederation, Africa, Mr. Albert Frimpong urged the participating teams to give off their best in order to get two best teams to represent Africa at the world stage.

The opening ceremony attracted a host of personalities including a delegation from the Oguaa Traditional Council made up of the Tufuhen who represented the Omanhen, of the Oguaa Tradtional Council, Nana Kwame Edu VI, the Apewosika and Kokwaadohen, Nana Kweku Ennu III, the Ketse Kokwaadohen, Nana Ketse II, Special Aid to the Apewosikahen, Mr. Charles Bosomtwe and Mr. Richmond Kwofie.

Also present were the Registrar at UCC Mr. Reuben Maxwell Bannerman, the President of the World Baseball and Softball Confederation of Africa, Mr. Ernest Danso, a representative of the Minster for Education, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, who doubles as the Director-General of the Institute for Educational Planning and Administration, (I.E.P.A) at UCC-Cape Coast, Dr. Michael Boakye-Yiadom, the Chief-Director, Central Regional Coordinating Council representing the Regional Minister, Mr. Kingsley Agyei Boahene, the Regional Director of Sports for the Central Regional Mr. Alexander Tieku , Head of Department, of HPER, UCC, Dr. Edward Wilson Ansah, the Physical Education Sports Coordinator, Ghana Education Service –Central Region, Mr. Francis Kumatia, the Regional PRO-GES representing the Regional Director of Education, Madam Rebecca Quainoo, the Regional SHS/Basic School Coordinator, Rev. Emmanuel Narh Huago and the Acting Head, UCC Sports Section, Mr. Edward Nartey. The Tufuhen of the Oguaa Traditional Council, Nana Kwame Edu V welcomed all to the region and urged them to visit some tourist sites in the region.

The Director-General of the Institute for Educational Planning and Administration, (I.E.P.A) at UCC-Cape Coast, Dr. Michael Boakye-Yiadom described the tournament as welcoming one for the development of the sport in the country.

The Chief-Director, Central Regional Coordinating Council representing the Regional Minister, Mr. Kingsley Agyei Boahene, promised his outfit support in growing the game in the region.

The President of the Ghana Baseball and Softball Federation, Mr. Ernest Danso thanked all who supported in making the hosting a reality. He called for more assistance from corporate Ghana and benevolent individuals to make the sports more visible.

The event which stated on Tuesday, 16 May will end on Friday, 19 May and involves seven games per day. The top four finishers will compete for the World Cup spots in the semifinals on Saturday, 20 May. The winners will qualify for the WBSC Youth Baseball5 World Cup and compete for the African Youth Baseball5 title on Sunday, 21 May, at 3 pm local time.

Baseball5 is a relatively new sport, a shorter and simpler version of baseball and softball that can be played anywhere with minimal equipment. It is referred to as a street version of the classic games of baseball and softball. It's a bat and ball sport played over five innings with five players per team. The ball is hit with the bare hand - so all one need is a ball and a suitable area to play. It is designed to be inclusive, and be played as a mixed-gender sport. Cape Coast is hosting the Africa Qualifiers.

Participating countries includes World No. 6 South Africa, No. 8 Tunisia, No. 24 Tanzania, No. 28 Zambia, No. 33 Ghana, No. 37 Burkina Faso, unranked Benin, Uganda and Nigeria.

Source GBCNEWS  

Former WBO Bantamweight Champion, Isaac Dogboe aka ‘The Royal Storm’ on Wednesday had an interaction with the media at the African Regency Hotel in Accra before flying to his base in the USA.

According to him, there is still hope and he is very focused on his next step.

“Am not near retirement” he said Isaac despite series of defeats in recent times.

"Am young and moving on. Am lucky to have the opportunity to fight at the top level.

"It is important we get to the right fights at the right time. We need to strategise" he expressed.

Relations With Top Rank

On his relations with Top Rank Promotions, Isaac Dogboe (24 - 3-17Kos) said they played a huge role to put him on top of the world.

"Top Rank was very good to me for 5 years, a deal which ended September, last year. Now am a free agent.. Top Rank has been great.. Forever I will be grateful to them.

"In my own time I will make a decision. I have to be focused on my future, boxing is exciting. It takes you round the world. I will get back to the ring very soon. Me and my team are planning for the future, you will hear something big soon.

Nana Ama Akyere, PRO of Team Dogboe said there are more things to happen in the future for Dogboe. She thanked the people of Ghana and the media for all the support offered to Team Dogboe in the last bout against Robeisy Ramirez of Cuba in California, USA for the vacant WBO Featherweight title.

Present at the Press Conference was the President of the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA), Mr. Abraham Neequaye who commended Dogboe for his courage and proving that he is a great warrior from Ghana, Treasurer Lord Acquaye and Nathaniel Attoh of JoySports fame who was in the USA to watch the Royal Storm’s last bout.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has officially launched a capacity building and skill training wing called the ???????????????????? ???????????????????????????????? ????????????????????????.

The launch which took place at the GFA headquarters in Accra on Tuesday, May 16, 2023 is aimed at building the capacity of individuals involved in the various facets of the Ghana Football ecosystem.

The Ghana Football Association is rolling out this initiative in collaboration with top level institutions, including the University Of Ghana (UG), the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), University of Professional Studies Accra (UPSA), the Sunyani Technical University and the China Europe International Business School (CEIBS).

The GFA School adds to efforts being made to advance professional development, competence and training of personnel within the football space.

The Ghana Football Association will in the coming days come out with the modalities and procedures for training in the various institutions.

ghanafa.org

President of the African Paralympic Committee (APC), Mr. Samson Deen has declared that Accra is ready to host the first African Para Games in September..

Speaking to the media on Tuesday after a general inspection tour ahead of the Games dubbed Accra 202, he said it is better for sports journalists to have an understanding of the progress made so far in the preparations.

"We want everyone to know that we are hosting the Games in Accra, Ghana is doable and a facility like Eden Heights at West Hills can do everything, we need good PR and publicity to attract sponsorship" he expressed.

The tour took the media to places like the Accra Sports Stadium Trust Sport Emporium, Eden Heights at West Hills, Weija and the University of Ghana Sports Stadium at Legon.

Mr. Ignatius Elletey, Public Relations Officer and member of the National Paralympic Committee (NPC) of Ghana who led the tour acknowledged that facilities like the Accra Sports Stadium need a few polishing, but Eden Heights is ready with modern facilities like an astro turf football field, tartan tracks, swimming pool for training, ultra modern sports hall, fitness center and fantastic residence.

Mr. Chris Boadi Mensah, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the Para Games expressed his satisfaction with Eden Heights and hoped that Ghana will deliver a classic top standard competition.

Mr. Cyril Gadogbe, Sales Executive of Eden Heights assured that they have the capacity to host a successful Game.

Madam Shirley Acquah Harrison, MD of the Trust Sport Emporium also revealed that they have appropriate and six user friendly facilities including a hostel.

The events to be competed are Para Athletics, Para Powerlifting, Wheelchair Tennis, Wheelchair Basketball, Goalball, Sitting Volleyball and Amputee Football.

Over 40 sports journalists took part in the successful tour.

The Paralympic Games is scheduled for September 3rd to 12th 2023.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The first Triangular Games between Methodist Girls SHS, Aburi Girls SHS and Diaspora Girls SHS at Mamfe organized on Saturday, May 13th was very exciting, thrilling and ended on a good note with participants calling for more of such programmes.

Diaspora Girls really demonstrated that they can be a force to reckon with when it comes to sports with their speed, strength stamina and strategies.

They beat all opponents and opposition to win the first position in Football with Aburi Girls at second and Methodist Girls getting the third position.

Methodist Girls won the Chess contest, as Diaspora placed second and Aburi Girls third.

Volleyball best team went to Diaspora Girls with Aburi Girls at second and Methodist Girls picking the third position.

Basketball gold went to Aburi Girls while Diaspora Girls took the Silver.

Aburi Girls won the Baseball competition over Methodist Girls.

The Triangular Games which is the first of its kind in the Akuapemm Zone of the Eastern Region was sponsored by Naadu Sika Gberbi who presented medals and trophies to deserving winners.

She was supported by the Women Sports Association of Ghana (WOSPAG), the National Sports Authority (NSA) and Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC)

Madam Agnes Abefe, General Secretary of WOSPAG said the Games showed that the nation has female sports talents who must be unearthed, groomed and prepared for international competitions.

She expressed that the girls displayed their affection for sports which calls for the provision of facilities and equipment as well as support from other philanthropic citizens and companies.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The 2023 edition of the Baby Jet U16 African Football Tournament, organized by former Ghana captain Asamoah Gyan, is set to kick off on June 6, 2023, at the Cape Coast Sports Stadium in Ghana.

The tournament will feature 32 teams from across Africa, and will provide a platform for young players to showcase their talents and potentially earn professional contracts.

In addition to the football competition, the program will also offer mentorship and guidance to the young footballers, led by Gyan and other football icons.

The best players will be selected and will be coached by Gyan for a year, where they will play several games to help hone their skills as well as give them opportunities to join elite clubs across the world.

The tournament is expected to be a major boost for African football, as it will provide a platform for young players to showcase their talents and potentially earn professional contracts. It is also expected to help to raise the profile of African football on the world stage.

Speaking to Citi Sports, Samuel Anim Addo, the CEO of Baby Jet Promotions, said that the tournament is a major investment in the future of African football.

"This year’s competition is going to be an improvement of what we have been able to achieve in the past and also bring the legends to these youngsters to inspire them and learn closely from them as well.

“We expect this year’s competition to be fun, educative and the best will surely be awarded and to their own benefit, get scouted and give them a career uplift,” Anim Addo said.

Citi Sports