Top Ghanaian kickboxer, Steavano Tuekpe successfully defended his 91 kg K-1 world title at the ICBO (International Combat Sports Organization) Fight Championship in Mechernich, Germany last week.
Against Germany based Syrian, Fared Kanba in front of over 4,000 vociferous fans at the Great Hall of Mechernich, the Ghanaian stood firm, displaying skill, power and heart pounding action to emerge victorious.
“The competition is where the world’s best fighters compete on a world stage. Under the blinding spotlights, I stood calm but fiercely determined. This was not just another fight—it was my destiny, a chance to defend my world title for the second time,” Steavano, also Vice-President of Ghana Kickboxing Association, recounted.
“As the bell rang, I moved with calculated precision, my heart pounding in rhythm with the crowd’s chants. My opponent was formidable, a skilled warrior with undeniable prowess. But I had something more, purpose. Every punch, every kick carried the weight of my dreams, the pride of Ghana, and the hopes of countless aspiring fighters back home,” he explained.
“The second round came, and my focus sharpened like a blade. I saw an opening—my training, my sacrifices, and my will to win ignited in a flurry of strikes. With a decisive kick and a crushing punch, my opponent fell. The referee counted, and the crowd erupted as he waved the fight off. Victory was mine,” Tuekpe hailed.
History had been made, he had set a precedent no fighter from this country had previously thread. The excitement was too visible for anyone to see as Tuekpe exhaled his moment of re-writing the record books.
“My dream has always been to raise the Ghanaian flag high, tears mixing with sweat. This was more than a personal triumph, it was history. I had become the first Ghanaian professional kickboxer to win the world title twice consecutively, etching Ghana’s name on the global combat sports map,” Steavano proclaimed.
“This victory isn’t just mine, it belongs to every young, determined athlete in Ghana dreaming of greatness. It’s a call to the world to look to Ghana for the next generation of dynamic, unstoppable fighters. Our story is just beginning, and I’m honoured to lead the charge,” he affirmed.
Meanwhile, the ace kickboxer also assured of his commitment to the promotion and development of the sport in this country as the second most powerful man at the national federation as he seeks to entrench partnership for the benefit of young and aspiring kickboxers.
“As the Vice President of Ghana Kickboxing Association, I promise to continue working with (National Sports Authority) NSA and the Ministry of Youth and Sports to help the young ones with the needed equipment to facilitate training and achieve their dreams,” Tuekpe pledged.
“We are Ghana. We are champions. And we are ready for the world,” he concluded.
Credit: Elizabeth Gyamfi
